A checklist for crisis operations within volcano observatories

We draw on our experience in assisting with international crises through the volcano disaster assistance program (VDAP) and during the eruptions of Mount St. Helens in 1980–1986 and 2004–2008 to offer recommendations for successful observatory operations during times of crisis. The degree of success in responding to a crisis is profoundly affected by the degree of preparation before a crisis arises—including the building of monitoring systems and databases to improve forecasting and establish effective partnerships with civil protection authorities and communities at risk. Success further depends on teamwork and communication during the crisis and on the level, progression, and duration of unrest itself (the crisis timeline). Some factors lie within the purview of the observatory to control; others are external and difficult or impossible to control. We focus on the first.

A myriad of specific tasks must be remembered and accomplished before, during, and after crises. Just as airline pilots use checklists to ensure that key items for aviation safety and aircraft performance are not overlooked, we recommend that volcanologists do the same. We offer here a checklist for volcanic crisis responses and encourage observatory scientists and managers to review and revise it to best suit their needs.