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Emergency Preparedness and Response: Volcanoes

Adverse Health Effects

On this page, you’ll find information on how volcanic eruptions can impact your health, programs with guides on volcanic activity, and how to understand volcanic events.

Major Health Threats 
The CDC lists health risks from volcanoes which include both internal and external ailments. [url; CDC]

  • Infectious diseases
  • Respiratory burns
  • Injuries from falls
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Asthma
  • Emphysema
  • Chronic lung diseases
  • Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
  • Swelling and spasm of the throat
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Suffocation

Primary and Secondary Health Effects

Volcanic Ashfall Impacts Working Group Impacts and Mitigation  
The U.S. Geological Survey lists impacts of volcanic ashfall on respiratory health, eyes, and skin. [url; USGS, 2018]

Additional Resources for Emergency Preparation

The resources below include more helpful information on preparing for a volcanic eruption using government websites, public health organization checklists, and mobile apps.

Prepare Now – Volcanoes
Ready’s national public service campaign provides a list of how to prepare for volcanic eruptions, survive during a volcanic eruption, and be safe after a volcanic eruption. [url; Ready]

Volcano Preparedness Checklist 
The American Red Cross organization provides instructions on what to do before, during, and after a volcanic eruption. [pdf; Red Cross, 2023]

Protective Actions 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides links and protective actions for subcategories related to volcanoes. [url; FEMA]

Volcano Emergency Prep 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides instructions on how to prepare for a volcanic eruption, survive during a volcanic eruption, and stay safe after a volcanic eruption. [url; Ready]

[Esp] Volcán: Lista de verificación para la preparación
La Cruz Roja ofrece traducción al español de instrucciones sobre qué hacer antes, durante y después de una erupción volcánica.

[Esp] Volcanes 
El Departamento de Salud del Estado de Washington ofrece traducción al español de instrucciones sobre qué hacer antes, durante y después de una erupción volcánica. [pdf; WA DOH]

Emergency Prep for Specific Groups 
The Washington State Department of Health provides tips on safety for children, deaf and hard of hearing, people with medical needs, people with mobile and visual disabilities, pets, and people with psychological and emotional needs. [url; Washington State Department of Health]

Apps

FEMA – App 
The Federal Emergency Management Agency presents real-time weather alerts, guidance to local emergency shelters in your area, preparation for common hazards, and more. [url; FEMA]

CDC – App 
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention gives 24/7 access to timely, vital health information, wherever you go. [url; CDC]

 

Latest page update: July 29, 2025.