Active volcanoes can be found all over the world. In the U.S. volcanoes are found mainly in Hawaii, Alaska, California, Oregon and Washington. Volcanoes in Canada are mostly found in British Columbia. In New Zealand most of the volcanoes can be found on the North Island and off thre coast of the North Island.

resh volcanic ash, made of pulverized rock, can be harsh, acidic, gritty, glassy and smelly. The ash can cause damage to the lungs of older people, babies and people with respiratory problems.

Source: http://www.fema.gov/kids/volcano.htm

How Volcanoes Effect Communities ...

Volcano Facts

than 80 percent of the earth's surface is volcanic in origin. The sea floor and some mountains were formed by countless volcanic eruptions. Gaseous emissions from volcano formed the earth's atmosphere.

The 1992 eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines Islands caused 342 deaths and more than 250,000 people had to be evacuated.

The danger area around a volcano covers about a 20-mile radius. In May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington state after more than 100 years of dormancy (when the volcano is "asleep").
It killed 58 people and caused more than $1.2 billion in property damage.

are more than 500 active volcanoes in the world. More than half of these volcanoes are part of the "Ring of Fire," a region that encircles the Pacific Ocean.

Source: http://www.fema.gov/kids/volcano.htm

What Can You Do ...

If a Volcano Erupts Where You Live

• Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately.
  
  
• Be aware of mudflows. Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run.
  
  
• Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas.
  
  
• Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

Protection from Falling Ash

• Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency information.
  
  
• If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.
  
  
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  
  
• Use goggles and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.
  
  
• Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.
  
  
• Stay away from areas downwind from the volcano to avoid volcanic ash.
  
  
• Stay indoors until the ash has settled unless there is a danger of the roof collapsing.
  
  
• Close doors, windows, and all ventilation in the house (chimney vents, furnaces, air conditioners, fans, and other vents.
  
  
• Clear heavy ash from flat or low-pitched roofs and rain gutters.
  
  
• Avoid running car or truck engines. Driving can stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines, damage moving parts, and stall vehicles.
  
  
• Avoid driving in heavy ash fall unless absolutely required. .

Source: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/volcano/index.shtm