Experience from several recent eruptions has highlighted the need for real-time information on the consequences of volcanic hazards. Such information often blends volcanology with input from engineering, medical, plant, animal and material sciences and often cannot be found readily in any one institution. This information needs to be available in a format that meets the needs of a variety of end-users, and structured in a fashion that permits rapid access to all the information required by each end-user sector. A new Web based database of volcanic impacts and mitigation options is being developed under the sponsorship of U S Geological Survey, GNS Science, University of Hawaii and IAVCEI. This Web site is intended to help people deal with the consequences of volcanic hazards on their homes, cities, farms, and businesses, and local service infrastructures. The site will initially deal with volcanic ash falls but will be extended to cover other hazards in the future

http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash/