Volcanoes

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.
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.
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- Home
- More Info
- About Us
- Contact Us
- Products
- Map Your Neighborhood
- Family Disaster Plan
- Calling 9-1-1
- Types of Disasters
- Blackouts
- Chemical Emergencies - Home
- Chemical Emergencies
- Earthquakes
- Fires - Structure
- Fires - Wildfires
- Floods
- Heat Waves
- Hurricanes
- Medical Emergencies
- Mudslides
- Terrorism
- Thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Tsunamis
- Volcanoes
- Winter Storms
- Disaster Supplies
- Sheltering in Place
- Hazardous Items At Home
- Using a Generator
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety
- Smoke Alarms
- Fire Extinguishers
- Insurance Information
- Insurance - Property
- Life Insurance Plus
- Resources
- Disclaimer