Volcanoes

Mt St. Helens

A volcano is an opening, or eruption, in the
earth’s outer surface which is created when
pressure builds up within. This eruption sends
forth lava flows, poisonous gases and flying
debris and ash that can potentially travel many,
many miles.

The potential for some units of the church is
very low for a volcano affecting us. However, if
you travel where there is potential for one, its
good to know what to do and how to be
prepared.

Volcanoes are generally found where tectonic
plates pull apart or come together. A mid-
oceanic ridge, for example the Mid-Atlantic
Ridge, has examples of volcanoes caused by
"divergent tectonic plates" pulling apart; the
Pacific Ring of Fire has examples of volcanoes
caused by "convergent tectonic plates" coming
together. By contrast, volcanoes are usually not
created where two tectonic plates slide past one
another. Volcanoes can also form where there
is stretching and thinning of the Earth's crust.
Source: Wikipedia

Be Ready

Below is some very good information
from Ready.gov: Volcanoes. This information
was gathered on October 07, 2007. For the
latest information on this subject, please visit
the source at this link.

Follow the instructions of local emergency
officials.
Knowing your community's warning
systems and disaster plans, including
evacuation routes.
Plan to evacuate quickly and to take your
portable emergency supply kit with you
(72 hour kit).
Plan ahead by adding extra goggles and
something to cover your nose and mouth
(surgical mask) in your emergency supply
kit (72 hour kit). Include something to
cover the nose and mouth for every
member of your family.
If you are unable to evacuate, and in
order to protect yourself from falling ash,
you should remain indoors with doors,
windows and ventilation closed until the
ash settles (shelter in place).

Stay informed

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.

Volcanoes

Here are some resources that are avail-able
on the web in regarding volcanoes.

READY.GOV - The link below will take you to
their section on volcanoes regarding how to
be prepared for one.