A volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a reservoir of molten rock 

below the surface of the earth. 

Unlike most mountains, which are pushed up from below, volcanoes are vents 

through which molten rock escapes to the earth’s surface. 

When pressure from gases within the molten rock becomes too great, an eruption occurs.

Eruptions can be quiet or explosive.

There may be lava flows, flattened landscapes, poisonous gases, and flying rock and ash 

that can sometimes travel hundreds of miles downwind.

Because of their intense heat, lava flows are great fire hazards.

Lava flows destroy everything in their path, but most move slowly enough 

that people can move out of the way.

Fresh volcanic ash, made of pulverized rock, can be abrasive, acidic, gritty, gassy and odorous. 

While not immediately dangerous to most adults, the acidic gas and ash can cause lung damage 

to small infants, to older adults and to those suffering from severe respiratory illnesses.

Volcanic ash also can damage machinery, including engines and electrical equipment. 

Ash accumulations mixed with water become heavy and can collapse roofs. 

Volcanic ash can affect people hundreds of miles away from the cone of a volcano.

Sideways directed volcanic explosions, known as "lateral blasts," can shoot large pieces 

of rock at very high speeds for several miles. 

These explosions can kill by impact, burial or heat. 

They have been known to knock down entire forests.

Volcanic eruptions can be accompanied by other natural hazards, 

including earthquakes, mudflows and flash floods, rock falls and landslides, 

acid rain, fire, and (under special conditions) tsunamis.

Active volcanoes in the U.S. are found mainly in Hawaii, Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

There are 18 states which have volcanoes:

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, 

New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming

There are 5 states which have what are considered active volcanoes:

Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington.

The danger area around a volcano covers approximately a 20-mile radius 

however, some danger may exist 100 miles or more from a volcano.

Before a Volcanic Eruption

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property 

in the event of a volcanic eruption.

♦ Build an Emergency Supply Kit, which includes items like non-perishable food, water, 

a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra flashlights and batteries. 

You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car in case you are told to evacuate. 

This kit should also include a pair of goggles and disposable breathing masks for each member 

of the family.

♦ Make a Family Emergency Plan. 

Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know 

how you will contact one another, how you will get back together and what you will do 

in case of an emergency.

During a Volcanic Eruption

♦ Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately 

from the volcano area to avoid flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast and lava flow.

♦ Be aware of mudflows. 

The danger from a mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains. Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. 

Look upstream before crossing a bridge and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.

♦ Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.

Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - 

infants, elderly people and people with access and functional needs.

After a Volcanic Eruption

♦ Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate 

or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home.

Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter 

in your area (example: shelter 12345).

♦ Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information 

on what is happening and what you should do. 

However, you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, watch TV, listen to the radio 

or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.