Are you prepared? Volcanic risk at Vulcano Island
The following contents arise from the collaboration between the Civil Protection Department, the Sicilian Region and the Vesuvian and Etnean Observatories of Ingv - National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology. The content has been developed for the National exercise Vulcano 2022, and also in view of the national communication campaign I don't take risks Volcano Island.
The rules of conduct refer specifically to each operational phase (attention, early warning and alarm) that the Civil Protection Department adopts, together with the Sicilian Region, to cope with changes in the state of activity of the volcano.
In this operational phase monitoring intensifies and the civil protection plan is verified and updated. Access to some areas of the island, affected by high emission of gas from the ground may be forbidden.
Be aware of the activity and the status of the volcano checking the sources of information through websites and institutional social media (of Municipality, Regional Department of Civil Protection, National Department of Civil Protection), television, radio, press, and toll-free numbers (Contact Center of the Department of Civil Protection, Regional Operational Room).
Ask the municipality for information on the civil protection plan, to know what are the routes of departure and waiting areas to reach in case of declaration of the alarm phase and the urge to leave the island.
Avoid areas and depressed structures where volcanic gases can accumulate (cellars, garages, empty swimming pools, water collection canals, underground tanks, wells, etc.); in case of need to access these areas, please limit as much as possible the time of stay and make sure that there is someone outside who can help.
Avoid areas close to volcanic gas emissions, especially during the night and in unfavorable weather conditions ( absence of wind, cloudiness, presence of fog).
If you see dangerous situations related to the emission of volcanic gases, such as the presence of dead animals for no clear reason, leave the area and inform the municipality.
Inform the municipality if you or a member of your family needs special assistance to evacuate during the alarm phase and to find alternative accommodation.
Plan in advance what to do if authorities order the evacuation of your home. You may have to relocate outside of the island's risk areas:
- to another home;
- to accommodation provided by the local authority.
This phase is aimed at organizing the removal of the population planned in the operational phase of the Alert. The operation begins with the removal of people in need of special social and health assistance. The permanence on the island is allowed only to citizens with permanent residence and to civil protection operators.
If you have the possibility of an alternative independent accommodation outside the island, you can already move out during this phase. If so, inform the Municipality.
As a tourist, you will be asked to leave the island with the means of transport of the shipping companies that regularly connect the island to the mainland.
The transfer and assistance of people who need special social and health assistance will be provided.
If you decide to stay, be ready to leave following authority orders:
- be informed of the removal procedures to follow as provided in the Municipal Civil Protection Plan.
- inform the municipality if you or a family member needs special assistance.
- make a list of the essentials to take with you (phone, documents, medicines, eyeglasses, etc.).
Be informed of municipal ordinances that limit access to and stay on the island.
Be informed about the activity and status of the volcano by consulting information sources through institutional websites and social media (of the Municipality, Regional Department of Civil Protection, National Department of Civil Protection), television, radio, press, and toll-free numbers (Contact Center of the Department of Civil Protection and Regional Operations Room).
During this phase, all people and pets should be removed from the island.
Remember to take the essentials (phone, documents, medicines, eyeglasses, etc.).
Do not waste time securing items you will not bring with you.
Before leaving the house close doors, windows, gas, water and turn off the electricity.
Reach the waiting area or meeting area designated to you by the Municipal Civil Protection Plan, according to the schedule. The removal from the island will take place by sea from Porto di Levante or molo di Gelso; if necessary, from molo di Ponente with naval means or also with helicopters. Follow the instructions provided by the civil protection authorities.
You can bring your pet with you, according to the indications provided by the Municipality.
Remember that the island may be closed for a long time.
Keep yourself informed about the activity and the status of the volcano by consulting the sources of information through websites and institutional social media (of Municipality, Regional Department of Civil Protection, National Department of Civil Protection), television, radio, press, and toll-free numbers (Contact Center of the Department of Civil Protection, Regional Operations Room).