Emergency Preparedness & Response

Our islands are a beautiful refuge from a busy outside world. The peace gained from the remote nature of our County also means that in a disaster, emergency preparedness will save lives and preserve well-being. Our department is responsible for helping our community for public health emergencies.  

Our staff are trained to respond to public health emergency situations and work hard to foster local and regional partnerships to ensure that our community is prepared whenever an emergency happens. We are grateful to serve such an amazing and resilient community.  

Our County has a Department of Emergency Management that prepares our community for non-public health emergencies like tsunamis and earthquakes, winter storms, oil spills, wildfires, and more. You can learn more about these types of emergencies at www.islandsready.org! You will also find awesome resources like: 

• Signing up for emergency alerts.
• How to assemble an emergency kit with a helpful calendar to plan how to gather supplies for two weeks. 
• Preparedness information for seniors.
• And much, much more!

Public Health Emergency Resources

Our department is responsible for public and human health in an emergency – anything from contaminated food or water supplies to mental health needs. We work and train with the Department of Emergency Management and various community partners to develop strategies and gather resources for likely public health and community wellness impacts of such events. 

It’s not just organizations like us that determine the success of a response. Everyone can help reduce the impact of an emergency for themselves and their loved ones. Take a look at the resources we’ve collected below. If you have questions or would like to learn more, email hcs@sanjuancountywa.gov or call us at 360-378-4474.  

Past Responses

Our staff has responded to many emergencies, both as an independent agency and as a part of a coordinated community or regional response. We take these experiences and feedback from the impacted community to make the next response more effective. Some emergencies we have responded to in recent years were COVID-19 pandemic, PFAS water contamination, and a measles outbreak. 

After Action Reports

• COVID-19 After Action Report

More Information (Links)

Check out the links below to learn more about how to prepare for public health emergencies in our county. If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for call 360-378-4474 or email hcs@sanjuancountywa.gov to connect with our staff! 

General 

• Health and Safety Alerts | DOH

Mental Health & Emergency Preparedness

• Taking Care of Your Emotional Health | CDC
• Disaster Distress Helpline | SAMHSA
• Coping with the Stress of Wildfire Smoke | EPA, CDC, et al
• We Are TB offers peer support for current TB patients and advocacy opportunities for TB survivors.

Protect Yourself from Wildfires & Smoke

• What’s the Air Quality? | WA Smoke Blog: This has current and forecasted wildfire and smoke locations. 
• Mobile apps to check air quality: 
  • There are several apps you can download on your smartphone to check air quality conveniently: Air Quality WA, EPA’s AirNow, and EPA’s Smoke Sense.
• Portable Air Cleaners | DOH
• How to make your own clean air fan | DOE (video)
• Do-It-Yourself Air Cleaners | BCCDA
• Create a Clean Room | EPA (Video)
• Smoke From Fires | DOH
• Children’s Health & Wildfires | PEHSU
• Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality | DOH
• Improving Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality during Wildfire Smoke Events | DOH
• Summary Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Closing Schools | DOH & DOE
• Coping with the Stress of Wildfire Smoke | EPA, CDC, et al
• Protect Your Pets from Wildfire Smoke | EPA
• Protect Your Large Animals and Livestock from Wildfire Smoke | EPA

Protect Yourself from Disease Outbreaks

• How to Prepare for a Healthy Family and Flock | DOH (bird flu)
• Bird Flu Guidance for Farm Workers | DOH
• Backyard Poultry | DOH
• Hunters’ Fact Sheet | DOH
• Measles Vaccine: Our Best Protection | DOH
• Frequently Asked Questions About STD | DOH
• Surround Babies with Protection (Whooping Cough) | CDC

Protect Yourself from Foodborne Illnesses

• Food Safety Tips | DOH
• Myths About Food Safety | DOH
• Raw Milk | DOH
• Shellfish Handling, Storing, and Cooking | DOH
• Check for beach closures and advisories | DOH
• Barbecues and Picnic Food Safety | DOH
• Power Outages | DOH
• Holiday Food Safety | DOH

Livestock & Pet Preparedness

• Pets and Emergencies | DOH
• Protect Your Pets from Wildfire Smoke | EPA
• Protect Your Large Animals and Livestock from Wildfire Smoke | EPA
• Do YOU Have a Plan for Your Livestock Should Disaster Strike? | USDA

Resources for Children

• Emergency preparedness comic and activity books | King County
• Sofia’s Story | PEHSU
• Ready Wrigley Prepares for Wildfires & Smoke Activity Book | CDC
• Why is Coco Red | EPA

Last updated February 24, 2025.