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EMERGENCIES
Emergency response in Clallam County is managed by the Emergency Management Division. As a public health agency, the Environmental Health Division may become involved in a variety of emergency situations. Some of these are addressed below.
Bioterrorism
Many agencies are working together to protect the public from the possible threat of bioterrorism. Some of these are: the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, state and local public health agencies, doctors and hospitals, and emergency response agencies. The Environmental Health Division is included in this network, and is notified regularly about developments related to bioterrorism.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is the best source for current bioterrorism information. Their website has information about biological agents such as anthrax and smallpox, and how the U.S. is prepared to handle possible bioterrorism.
The Washington State Department of Health has similar information available about possible threats, and how they are handled in Washington State.
Chemical and Hazardous Material Spills
When there is an oil spill or other chemical spill in Clallam County, the Environmental Health Division assists the Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) to help ensure proper cleanup. Please visit the DOE's website for more information about their Spill Response Program.
To report an oil spill, please contact both:
National Response Center: 1-800-424-8802
Washington State: 1-800-258-5990 or 1-800-OILS-911
To report any other hazardous material spill, please contact:
DOE's Southwest Regional Office, Olympia: 1-360-407-6300
Natural & Other Disasters
There are a variety of disasters that are possible in Clallam County, such as floods, droughts and earthquakes. Clallam County´s Emergency Management Division takes the lead role in many of these situations. Depending on the nature of a disaster, the Environmental Health Division may provide information and assistance relating to food and water supplies or sewage and waste disposal.
The Washington State Emergency Management Divison has a website. On this site they outline the State´s preparedness for emergencies, offer links to other resources, and provide practical information information.
The American Red Cross has suggestions on their website about being prepared before a disaster, being safe during one, and handling the aftermath. This site addresses everything from floods to volcanos, and food supplies to financial issues.
The Seattle & King County Public Health Department has several fact sheets available about disaster preparedness. They have tips about water supplies and other issues related to flooding and other disasters posted on their website.
Contact Environmental Health with questions or comments about the information on this page.
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