
    WHAT IS A VOLCANO?
    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 built up by an accumulation of their own
    eruptive products lava, ashflows, and airborne ash and dust. When
    pressure from gases and the molten rock becomes strong enough to cause an
    explosion, eruptions occur. Gases and rock shoot up through the opening
    and spill over, or fill the air with lava fragments. Volcanic products
    are used as building or road-building materials, as abrasive and cleaning
    agents, and as raw materials for many chemical and industrial uses. Lava
    ash makes soil rich in mineral nutrients.

    DANGER ZONES
    Volcanic eruptions are most likely in the Pacific Rim states of Hawaii,
    Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. The chance of eruptions that
    could damage populated areas is the greatest for the active volcanoes of
    Hawaii and Alaska. Active volcanoes of the Cascade Mountain Range in
    California, Oregon, and Washington have created problems recently. The
    danger area around a volcano covers approximately a 20-mile radius. Some
    danger may exist 100 miles or more from a volcano, leaving Montana and
    Wyoming at risk.

   Before A Volcanic Eruption 
   During A Volcanic Eruption 
   After A Volcanic Eruption 
   Helping After Disaster 
   Did You Know 

FACT SHEET: VOLCANOES

    Volcanic eruptions can hurl hot rocks for at least 20 miles. Floods,
    airborne ash, or noxious fumes can spread 100 miles or more. If you live
    near a known volcano, active or dormant, be ready to evacuate at a
    moment's notice.

    BEFORE
    Learn about your community warning systems.
    Be prepared for these disasters that can be spawned by volcanoes.

   Earthquakes 
   Flash floods 
   Landslides and mudflows 
   Thunderstorms 
   Tsunamis 

    Make evacuation plans.
    You want to get to high ground away from the eruption. Plan a route out
    and have a backup route in mind.

    Develop an emergency communication plan.
    In case family members are separated from one another during a volcanic
    eruption (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and
    children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.
    Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact."
    After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure
    everyone knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

    Have disaster supplies on hand.

   Flashlight and extra batteries 
   Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries 
   First aid kit and manual 
   Emergency food and water 
   Nonelectric can opener 
   Essential medicinesCash and credit cards 
   Sturdy shoes 

    Get a pair of goggles and a throw-away breathing mask for each member of
    the household. 
    Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross
    chapter for more information on volcanoes. 
    Evacuation
    Although it may seem safe to stay at home and wait out an eruption, doing
    so could be very dangerous. The rock debris from a volcano can break
    windows and set buildings on fire. Stay safe. Follow authorities'
    instructions and leave the area before the disaster begins.
    DURING
    Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities.
    Avoid areas downwind of the volcano. 

    If caught indoors:

   Close all windows, doors, and dampers. 
   Put all machinery inside a garage or barn. 
   Bring animals and livestock into closed shelters. 

    If trapped outdoors:

   Seek shelter indoors. 
   If caught in a rockfall, roll into a ball to protect head. 
   Avoid low-lying area where poisonous gases can collect and flash floods
       can be most dangerous. 
   If caught near a stream, beware of mudflows. 

    Protect yourself:

   Wear long sleeved shirts and pants. 
   Use goggles to protect eyes. 
   Use a dust-mask or hold a damp cloth over face to help breathing. 
   Keep car or truck engines off. 

    Stay out of the area.
    A lateral blast of a volcano can travel many miles from the mountain.
    Trying to watch an erupting volcano is a deadly idea.

    Mudflows
    Mudflows are powerful "rivers" of mud that can move faster than people
    can walk or run. Mudflows occur when rain falls through ash-carrying
    clouds or when rivers are damed during an eruption. They are most
    dangerous close to stream channels. When you approach a bridge, first
    look upstream. If a mudflow is approaching or moving beneath the bridge,
    do not cross the bridge. The power of the mudflow can destroy a bridge
    very quickly.

    AFTER
    Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency
    information.
    Stay away from volcanic ashfall.

    When outside:

   Cover your mouths and nose. A number of victims of the Mount St. Helens
       volcano died from inhaling ash. 
   Wear goggles to protect your eyes. 
   Keep skin covered to avoid irritation or burns. 

    If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.
    Stay indoors until local health officials advise it is safe to go
    outside.
    Avoid driving in heavy ashfall.
    Driving will stir up more ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.
    Clear roofs of ashfall.
    Ashfall is very heavy and can cause buildings to collapse.

    Remember to help your neighbors who may require special
    assistance--infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.
