Staying safe abroad

In which countries do volcanic eruptions occur?

• Most volcanoes lie on fault lines where tectonic plates meet. These areas with active volcanoes are usually also places with an increased risk of earthquakes
• The other volcanoes are located in so-called 'hotspots'; this type of volcano can for example be found in Iceland, Hawaii, Ethiopia and Reunion.
• The largest numbers of active volcanoes are found in Indonesia, Japan, Papua New Guinea, the east coast of the US, Ecuador and Chile.
• Active volcanoes attract many visitors every year who want to see, feel and smell, sometimes up close, what a volcano actually is. Popular volcanoes to visit include: Kīlauea (Hawaii), Etna (Italy), Merapi (Indonesia), Villarica (Chile), Cotopaxi (Ecuador), Volcán de Fuego (Guatemala) and Aso (Japan)

How can you prepare for a possible volcanic eruption?

• Volcanic eruptions, especially large ones, can now be predicted quite well by volcanologists
• The dangers and frequency of eruptions vary by volcano type, year and location
• The authorities involved usually have extensive evacuation plans in place and also a warning system for residents
• When you visit an area with an active volcano, you can obtain information locally about these plans and systems

What are the dangers of a volcanic eruption?

There are major differences between one volcanic eruption and another. Although lava can look spectacular, it is certainly not the biggest danger during an eruption

• Flying, red-hot rocks and steam: Small eruptions can sometimes eject red-hot material and steam from the crater at high speed. These types of explosions are especially dangerous if you are on the volcano itself.
• Lava flows: The speed of a lava flow can vary between extremely slow and as much as 150 km/h. The hotter the lava, the faster it flows, but there are also various geological aspects that determine whether the lava from a particular volcano will flow quickly or less quickly
• Pyroclastic flow: when an eruption column collapses during an eruption, a devastating pyroclastic flow or 'flare cloud' is created. In fact, the plume of hot ash and rocks rolls down like an avalanche at up to 90 mph. This current is hotter than 100 degrees and destroys everything in its path.
• Lahar: A lahar is a mudflow of volcanic material, especially volcanic ash. Lahars are formed when ash and pumice stone, from the volcanic eruption, mixes with rainwater or meltwater. A lahar does not necessarily form on a volcano, if enough ash lands on, for example, a distant mountain, a lahar can also form there due to the weight of the ash.
• Ash rain: All the ash, grit and stones that are shot into the air in a large plume during an eruption, come down again at a certain point, this phenomenon is called an ash rain. The greater the amount of ash, the more nuisance it causes, such as impassable roads and roof collapses.
• Tsunamis: Some of the volcanoes on the coast or in the sea can cause a tsunami during an eruption.

What can you do if you are caught in a volcanic eruption?

• Because (large) volcanic eruptions are fairly predictable, it is especially important to follow instructions from local authorities when an eruption is imminent or has occurred.
• When you are on a volcano during an eruption, there is really little you can do. Try to get away from the volcano as some volcanoes can erupt several times in a row
• Volcano dust will fall in the wider area around the eruption, cover your mouth and nose to protect your lungs.
• Also try to protect your eyes as much as possible against the sharp ash particles.

Are you insured for the consequences of a volcanic eruption?

• Climbing a volcano under the supervision of professional guides will often be covered by your travel insurance.
• Travel insurance generally does not provide cover if negative travel advice is in force. Only specialized travel insurance for long or special stays abroad can provide a solution here.
• In the event of an unforeseen volcanic eruption, you are generally insured

What are the travel destinations with the most hurricanes, typhoons and tropical cyclones, and when is the hurricane season?

Note: storms don't care much about storm seasons, they can occur earlier or later depending on annual climate variations (and accompanying water temperatures). Climate change makes predicting these extreme storms also more difficult

• Caribbean: Hurricane season: June 1 - November 30, with most storms forming in September and October. Islands of Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Cuba and Dominican republic are more likely to be struck than Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao
• United States (including Hawaii): Hurricane Season: June 1 - November 30
• Mexico: Hurricane Season: May 15 - November (East Pacific) or June 1 - November 30 (Atlantic/Caribbean)
• Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan, China: Typhoon season: Year Round
• Philippines: Typhoon season: Year Round, peaking in May to November
• Australia: Cyclone season: November to April
• Madagascar: Cyclone season: November 15 - April 30, with peak activity in February

Check beforehand whether your country of residence has an official site with reliable information in regards to natural disasters.

• are hurricanes, typhoons or cyclones common in your country of living?
• in which months is the highest activity of typhoons?
• what are the most common areas impacted?

What should you do before a hurricane, typhoon or tropical cyclone?

1. When booking a visit to a hurricane destination during storm season be aware of the risks, accommodation might be cheap, but it comes with a prize
2. Inspect your house for possible repairs (esp. roof).
3. Clean drainage to avoid clogging.
4. Store supplies; food, water, flashlight, batteries, and medical supplies. Canned goods are ideal for food.
5. When living in a hazard prone or risk area, you should evacuate as early as possible.
6. Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast (radio/tv/internet).
7. When living in a flood prone area, move electric appliances to safe, high-up areas.

What should you do during a hurricane, typhoon or tropical cyclone?

1. Stay inside and stay calm. Avoid travel.
2. Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast (radio/TV/internet).
3. Don't operate electric appliances during flood.
4. Avoid wading through flooded areas to avoid water-transmitted diseases.
5. Close the windows and turn off the main power switch.
6. Avoid the way leading to or along the river.

What should you do after the storm struck?

1. Keep up-to-date with the weather forecast (radio/tv/internet).
2. If your house was damaged, make sure that it is already safe and stable when you enter.
3. Watch out for live wires or outlet immersed in water.
4. Boil water before drinking it to avoid diseases.
5. Do not let water accumulate in tires, cans or pots to avoid creating a favorable condition for mosquito breeding that can cause dengue.

Where and when do wildfires and forest fires occur abroad?

• Wildfires and forest fires occur almost everywhere and in every type of landscape. From African savannas, Asian steppes, the South American Chaco, to Siberian reed beds.
• Wildfires can also occur in populated areas, for example on vegetated slopes or in agricultural areas.
• The greatest risk of wildfires is, of course, during the dry season. Such a dry period isn't always the warmest period and can occur quite unexpectedly in certain landscapes.
• Due to climate change, wildfire seasons can vary greatly in timing and severity from year to year.

How can you help prevent a wildfire or forest fire from starting?

• In areas with an increased risk of wildfires, it's important to be well-informed and to know the main escape routes.
• Do not use fire in a dry landscape unless it's essential for your survival. Respect local guidelines regarding, for example, building campfires or prohibitions on barbecues. If you do start a fire, use water and sand/soil to completely extinguish it before continuing.
• Extinguish cigarettes very carefully (or stop smoking).
• If you see glass lying around in nature, take it with you for the next disposal opportunity, as sunlight on stray glass can cause fires.

What can you do if you encounter a forest fire or wildfire?

• Keep an eye on the wind direction and wind speed. In unfavorable winds, a fire can spread faster than you can run.
• If possible, try to escape perpendicular to the wind. This will allow you to escape the fire hazard zone more quickly and reduce the impact of downwind smoke and heat.
• Try to inhale as little smoke as possible by, for example, wearing a face mask or scarf over your mouth and nose.

Are you insured for the consequences of a forest fire or wildfire?

• Travel insurance generally does not provide coverage if a negative travel advisory is in effect. Only specialized travel insurance policies for long-term or special stays abroad can offer a solution in this case. 
• In the event of unforeseen natural or forest fires, you are generally insured
• Read more about specialized travel insurance

When do you get lost while traveling or abroad?

• You're lost when you no longer know where you are and don't know how to get to your destination or how to return to your starting point.
• You've usually been lost for a while before you realize you're lost.
• When there are people around, getting lost is relatively easy to resolve. However, in more remote areas, you're on your own, and it can lead to a dangerous situation.
• Getting lost in the city can be dangerous in certain neighborhoods, especially in the evening.
• In a natural environment, getting lost is particularly dangerous when water is scarce (desert, savanna, outback Australia) or when it is or could become very cold (high mountains, tundra, desert).

How do you avoid getting lost abroad?

1. When you arrive in a new environment, prepare your route well. How many kilometers will you cover? What intermediate destinations will you encounter? What are the landmarks? For example, check for hideouts or emergency shelters in case the weather changes.
2. Most people navigate these days using electronic devices with digital maps. Make sure you have fully charged batteries, a backup battery, or a power bank.
3. In addition to digital navigation, provide at least basic orientation using a physical map. You wouldn't be the first to drop your GPS or smartphone in the river.
4. Try to collect landmarks. These landmarks make it easier to turn back if you forget your route ahead. High landmarks in the direction of your destination can also help you find your way forward.
5. Look back regularly; if you can't see the route behind you, the chances of finding your way back are slim.
6. Keep an eye on the time. For example, if you expect to walk an hour to a landmark and you've already been walking for 90 minutes, it's time to start worrying. The sooner you realize you're lost, the less lost you'll be.
7. If you've packed enough water, food, and survival gear (such as a first aid kit, matches, a pocket knife, a headlamp, and a survival blanket), you'll be less likely to panic and can stay lost longer without serious consequences.
8. Learn the basic navigation skills you need. Using a compass, in particular, takes some practice.
9. Let people know your plan and write your name and route in shelters and mountain huts. If you do get lost, people are more likely to look for you and start searching from the right place.

What should you do if you find yourself lost abroad, and how can you ensure you can be found?

1. STOP: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan.
2. Don't panic: try to stay calm and consider your next move. Stay where you are until you've calmly considered your options and your situation.
3. Beware of false landmarks: your mind tends to recognize things, even if you've never been somewhere before. This phenomenon can give you the false impression that you're going in the right direction, but also lead you to believe you're going in circles.
4. The way back is almost always the best way. If you can see the path back, follow it until you're no longer lost.
5. Be aware that, if you lack landmarks, you'll naturally walk in circles, while your intuition tells you to go straight ahead.
6. Check the time and the position of the sun. Make sure you have the best possible shelter for the night before dark. This depends heavily on the landscape in which you're lost.
7. Hopelessly lost in nature? Follow the water downstream. The larger a river becomes, the greater the chance you'll encounter people. Rescue workers are also more likely to search for you along rivers than in the middle of the forest.
8. Leave tracks to let those searching for you know you've passed by somewhere.
9. Build a campfire when night falls. It keeps wild animals at bay and makes you visible to search teams.

Tip: In an area with other people, but where you'd rather not ask, follow the general direction of the crowd. This way, you'll often end up at central locations, train or bus stations, and from there you can pick up your route again.