Oh No!

The Floor Is Lava: An Emergency Response Plan for Spontaneous Volcanic Eruption at The Brookings Institution
Executive Summary As a prominent and visible fixture within the DC community, the security risks facing the Brookings Institution are myriad. Among these, none is greater than the risk posed by the sudden and unpredictable emergence of lava on the floor. At any moment, the very surface we walk upon could become lava. It is at that moment that clearheaded decision making will make the difference between survival and fiery doom. The guiding principles of any lava-preparation plan should be: Immediate recognition of the threat Accurate assessment of the volume, distribution and movement of lava Correct application of the two inflammable pillars of lava response: hanging and climbing

Recognizing the Threat Most staff and guests at The Brookings Institution have thankfully never witnessed spontaneous lava firsthand. This lack of experience however, translates into problems with quick identification of the danger at hand. Remember: Lava is 1) Molten rock expelled by a volcano, burning at 700 to 1200 degrees Celsius 2) Glowey

Where is the Lava Flow Going??? Upon discovering lava eruption, the first and most important step is to determine the origin and predict the likely path of the flow. Although the viscosity of lava can vary1 due to its mineral composition, all lava flows as a liquid. If a volcanic eruption were to occur on the 8th floor, lava would burn through the floor and flow down any stairwells, elevator shafts or other openings.

Department of Geology, San Diego State http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/how_volcanoes_work/flow_features.html

In an emergency, try to anticipate the obstacles to the lava flow (walls, columns, file cabinets) and use that to plan your escape route. Remember, in certain situations2 lava can move at approximately 30 km/hr. Making Your Move: Hanging and Climbing In a floor-is-lava emergency, your best chance for survival is to employ one of two strategies: hanging or climbing. Utilizing the Monkey-bars Method, you can swing and scamper across your office ceiling. This may include dangling from various light fixtures, plumbing and electrical wiring. Alternatively, you may choose a ground-based route, moving across strategically placed slow-burning objects. Ideal objects would include large desks, metal filing cabinets and copy machines.

Please note: Although your safety in a lava emergency is ultimately in your hands, the official Brookings strategy for spontaneous lava eruption is a ground-based method. The Monkey Bars method of vertical movement is only recommended for the young and physically fit, ie. Interns.

Conclusion The best defense against a floor is lava situation is knowledge. Although we cannot predict the time and place of a spontaneous lava eruption, proper preparation and immediate action can save lives. Thank you, and Stay Safe! Sincerely, John Manning Governance Studies Chief Safety Officer for Lava Preparedness

U.S. Geological Survey Volcano Hazards: Lava Flows http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/Hazards/What/Lava/lavaflow.html