Environmental Health & Emergency Preparedness

As islanders, we understand that our personal health and the health of our environment are truly connected. Our health is shaped by the air we breathe, the water we drink, the buildings we inhabit, and our access to the beautiful natural spaces around us.

Taking steps to ensure our immediate environment is safe and healthy is a key part of our overall well-being. By staying informed and connected to local resources, we can all play a part in protecting our health and preserving the unique environment that makes our islands home.

Create a Safe & Healthy Home Environment

We can support our health by using safer products and proactively creating a healthy environment at home.

  • Protect indoor air quality: Simple steps like leaving shoes by the door, regularly dusting, mopping and vacuuming, and fixing water leaks can help keep your home healthy. Find additional healthy home tips from the Washington State Department of Health and remember to keep carbon monoxide alarms installed in your home.
  • Prevent accidental poisoning: Safely store medications and cleaning supplies, be aware of potential toxins like lead, and identifying any poisonous plants in your home or garden. If you suspect someone has been exposed to a poison, act immediately. For a poisoning emergency, contact the Washington Poison Center at (800) 222-1222 or visit their website.
  • Prevent mold: Mold grows best when there is lots of moisture from a leaky roof, high humidity, or flood. While most molds do not harm health, some create mycotoxins that can cause fatigue, irritation, and illness. You know you have mold when you smell the "musty" odor or see small black or white specks along your damp bathroom or basement walls. Learn about safe cleanup and get answers to your questions. 
  • Prevent pests: Living in the countryside can sometimes come with unwanted house guests. Learn how to prevent rodents from moving in and find information on bat safety. Remember: never handle wild animals and immediately report any contact with bats to your healthcare provider, as bats may carry rabies.
  • Stay warm: Keep your heat set to at least 68°F or higher during cold weather. Get financial help with home weatherization and home repair needs by reaching out to the Opportunity Council.
  • Check drinking water quality: Learn about monitoring and protecting your drinking water from Island County Public Health and find information about water quality. Learn about PFAS in our community, and effective filters from the Washington State Dept. Of Health.
  • Learn about lead safety: Lead-based paint and lead dust are the main sources of lead poisoning. Homes built before 1978 are likely to have lead-based paint. Children six years old and younger are the most affected by lead exposure. Learn about lead safety in homes and find screening guidance from the Washington State Department of Health.
  • Keep your septic system working well: In Island County, many of us use on-site septic systems, which need to be inspected every 3 years, or every year depending on your system type. Learn how to maintain your system and address issues. Remember: only flush toilet paper and human waste; even wipes described as “flushable” are not safe for septic systems.

Prepare for Emergencies & Hazards

Use the resources below to prepare for emergencies and stay safe and healthy during heat, wildfire smoke, and other environmental events.

  • Stay safe during wildfire smoke events: Learn how to protect yourself from unhealthy air quality caused by wildfire smoke and other pollutants. Use HEPA air filters and keep windows closed during wildfire smoke events.
  • Beat the heat: In the summer, find ways to stay safe and healthy during periods of high heat from Island County Emergency Management. During heat events, watch for emergency symptoms, stay hydrated, and check-in on loved ones. No A/C? You can visit a local cooling shelter to beat the heat.
  • Winter weather safety: In colder months, staying warm during a power outage is essential. Many of us rely on portable generators, but incorrect use can harm your health and cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Always setup generators in outdoors, follow manufacturer instructions, and check out these tips from the Washington State Department of Health.

Reduce Allergies

Here in the Pacific Northwest, each season has its beauty, but each can also trigger allergies. You can manage your symptoms by taking steps to reduce your exposure at home and outdoors.

  • Avoid bringing pollen indoors: If you go outside, wash your hair and clothing when you come inside. Pets can also bring in pollen, so clean them too. Track levels of pollen in your area using this PollenWise app with data from the Washington State Department of Health. Wash your bedding in hot water once a week.
  • Manage indoor humidity: Keep humidity levels low in the home to keep dust mites and mold under control.
  • Get treatment: Talk with your doctor about medications and allergy shots.
  • Keep indoor air clean: Get high efficiency air filters that remove particles like pollen and mold in your HVAC systems. Find guidance on choosing a portable air cleaner. Vacuum the floors once a week.
  • Have a plan: If your child has asthma, make sure you have a current Asthma Action Plan with your child’s healthcare provider. Learn more from the asthma and allergens page from the Washington State Department of Health.

Protect your Health

Our personal health is deeply connected to the health of our environment—from the air we breathe and water we drink to the food we eat and the natural spaces we enjoy.

  • Safe fish consumption: Enjoy seafood safely by choosing fish low in mercury like salmon and sardines. Learn about healthy fish consumption from the Washington Department of Health.
  • Limit plastic exposure: Use glass or stainless steel for food storage and water bottles and avoid microwaving plastic to reduce the leaching of chemicals. Choose stainless steel, glass, pure ceramic, carbon steel, or cast-iron cookware instead of non-stick pans.
  • Take antibiotics as prescribed: Practice antibiotic stewardship by taking antibiotics only as prescribed for bacterial infections and always completing the full course. Find safe medication and sharps disposal locations from Island County.

Get Outdoors!

Many of us are drawn to live in Island County because of the beautiful beaches, forests, and outdoor environments. Find local trails, outdoor volunteer opportunities, and use these tips to recreate safely throughout the year.

  • Use Sunscreen: Use sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, preferably 30. Reapply frequently. Use sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine.
  • Keep Warm in the Cold Weather: In cold weather, wear layers and waterproof clothing when it’s raining to keep your immune system strong.
  • Wear a life jacket. All vessels (including canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards) must carry at least one properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (Personal Flotation Device or PFD) for each person on board a vessel. Children 12 years old and younger must wear a life jacket in a vessel less than 19 feet in length. Learn more about water recreation safety from the Washington State Department of Health.

Care for Our Ecosystem

We can all take simple, everyday actions to protect the beautiful place we call home. Find steps you can take to support our environment.

At Home: Reduce Waste & Protect Water

  • Lean about safe solid waste disposal practices and get answers to frequently asked questions from Island County.
  • Protect Our Water with Septic Sense: If you use a septic system, regular maintenance is vital for protecting our island's water quality. The Island County On-Site Program shares homeowner resources to keep your system working well. Remember to only flush human waste and toilet paper, and have your system inspected regularly.

Shop Smarter:

  • Bring Your Bags: Keep reusable bags in your car or purse. A bag in the hand is worth two in the car!
  • Try Bulk Buying: Purchasing essentials in bulk can significantly cut down on plastic packaging.
  • Skip Fast Fashion: Consider shopping second-hand, repairing the clothes you have, or choosing ethical brands. Get more sustainable fashion tips from the EPA.

In Your Yard: Create a Healthy Habitat

  • Support Our Pollinators: Give bees and butterflies a boost! Plant native plants in clusters and choose varieties that bloom at different times.
  • Find Native Plants (Skagit Fisheries, WNPS, etc.)
  • Learn from the US Fish & Wildlife Service
  • Build a Backyard Habitat: Discover how to make your yard a welcoming space for local wildlife with tips from WDFW.
  • Live Shore Friendly: Do you live near the shoreline? Our Shore Friendly Program helps you protect your property while also protecting vital fish and wildlife habitat.

In the Community: Learn, Volunteer & Get Around

  • Ride Island Transit: Reduce your carbon footprint and save on gas. We’re fortunate to have a free transit service in Island County!

For Building Projects & Businesses

  • For Small Businesses: Our Pollution Prevention Program provides on-site education about preventing stormwater pollution through safe storage and disposal. This non-regulatory program is a free service.