A Volcano is a mountain that opens downward to a pool of molten (melted) 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 to great, an eruption occurs (eruptions can be quiet or explosive).

When an eruption occurs, there may be lava flows, flattened landscapes, poisonous gases, flying rocks, and ash that can sometimes travel hundreds of miles downwind.

The danger area around a volcano covers approximately a 20 mile area around the volcano in all directions. However, some danger may exist 100 miles or more from a volcano.

Before:

• Build an emergency kit.
• Make a family communication plan.

During:

• Follow evacuation orders from emergency officials.
• Look out for mudflows (a fluid or hardened stream of mud). Look upstream before crossing a bridge to make sure a mudflow is not coming. If it is, do not cross the bridge. (The mudflow could destroy it.)

After:

• Listen to safety officials
• Text, don’t talk, as you may block the phone lines for emergency workers.

• Lava – molten rock that comes from a volcanic explosion and the rock that results after it has hardened and cooled.
• Molten – made into liquid by heat. (Melted)
• Eruption – a sudden, violent outburst, like an explosion.
• Lava Flow – a slow moving river of molten rock that pours from a volcanic eruption.
• Pyroclastic Flow – a thick, fast-moving and hot avalanche of gas, solid and liquid volcanic debris that can move up to 50-100 miles per hour.
• Lava Rock – volcanic lava that has hardened after it has cooled.

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