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According to Ready.gov, there are 161 potentially active volcanoes in the United States. Alaska, Hawaii, California, Washington, and Oregon have the largest number of active volcanoes, but other states and territories also have volcanic activity.

Impacts of Volcanic Eruptions

A volcanic eruption can:

• Contaminate water supplies
• Damage machinery
• Reduce visibility through smog and harmful gases that may threaten low-lying areas
• Make it hard to breathe and irritate the skin, eyes, nose, and throat

Common elements present in eruptions include ash, gases, seismic activity, and lava — all of which can cause damage to vast areas near the volcano.

Preparedness Resources

• Volcano Information Sheet (PDF) — Ready.gov — Includes instructions for preparedness, evacuation, and survival during an eruption
• USGS Volcano Hazards Program — Learn your volcano risk and warning exposure

Preparing Livestock

The University of Hawaii has information available regarding agricultural response to volcanic activity, as well as Farm Service Agency Programs and additional resources.

• UH College of Tropical Agriculture — Volcanic Emissions Agricultural Response