We survived the eruption of Mount Vesuvius by putting pillows over our heads. We were lucky. We escaped, but many other people didn’t.

Afterward, we learned better ways to survive an erupting volcano. Here’s what we’d do the next time we saw the top of a mountain exploding and tons of lava pouring down the hills and the sky raining ash. (Yikes!)

1. Stay away from streams and valleys, because of flooding and mudflow. Also, toxic gases can collect there.

2. Put our pets (and ourselves) inside and close the windows and doors.

3. If we had time, we’d grab clothes to cover our arms and legs and protect them from burning ash.

4. Since gases from volcanoes can be deadly, we’d curl up in a ball and cover our mouths and noses.

5. Afterward, we would stay away from buildings with a lot of ash on their roofs. They might collapse!