Prepare in a Year: Learn Utility Safety

Emergencies and disasters can happen when we least expect them. This month, learn how to safely manage your home’s utilities before, during, and after an emergency. A little preparation ahead of time can help keep you and your family safe and reduce potential risks when the unexpected happens.

Know what to do each month by reviewing the guide. 

Chelan-Douglas Health District Board Declares Smoke Emergency for Chelan and Douglas Counties 

In response to hazardous wildfire smoke impacting air quality throughout Chelan and Douglas counties, the Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD) Board of Health has approved a resolution declaring a Wildfire Smoke and Hazardous Air Quality Emergency within the district's jurisdiction. A copy of the full resolution can be found on the district's website.

 The declaration recognizes the significant health risks associated with prolonged exposure to wildfire smoke and supports coordinated community actions to protect the health and safety of residents, visitors, workers, and those participating in outdoor activities.

 Guidance for Event Organizers

Organizations planning public events should carefully evaluate whether activities can be conducted safely during periods of poor air quality.

Decisions should consider:

• Current Air Quality Index (AQI) conditions
• Expected duration of smoke exposure
• Level of physical exertion required
• Whether attendees include individuals at increased risk for smoke-related illness

Guidance for Residents

During periods of wildfire smoke, CDHD recommends everyone take steps to reduce smoke exposure:

• Monitor local air quality conditions before spending time outdoors.
• Limit outdoor activities and remain indoors whenever possible.
• Keep windows and doors closed when outdoor air quality is poor.
• Use portable HEPA air cleaners or high-efficiency HVAC filtration to improve indoor air quality.
• Wear a properly fitted N95 respirator if you must be outdoors in smoky conditions. A list of mask distribution locations in Chelan and Douglas County can be found on our website. 

Help Families Access Summer Grocery Benefits with SUN Bucks 

 Please help us spread the word about SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefit that helps eligible families purchase food for school-aged children when school is out for the summer.

Many eligible children are automatically enrolled, while some families may need to apply. By sharing this information, you can help connect families with resources that support healthy meals throughout the summer.

Families can learn more about eligibility and how to apply by visiting: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sunbucks

Thank you for helping ensure children in our community have access to nutritious food all summer long.

Back to School Immunizations

Getting ready for back to school is more than backpacks and notebooks. Vaccinations are an important tool to keep your student healthy, in school, and ready to learn. Check with your child’s health care provider to ensure they are up to date with all routine vaccinations to meet school or childcare entry requirements. If your child is not up to date, they may not be allowed to attend school or childcare until complete.

Most clinics in Chelan & Douglas counties are enrolled in the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program which provides childhood vaccines at no cost. Providers may charge an office visit fee and a fee to give the vaccine, called an administration fee. If you cannot pay the administration fee, you can ask your health care provider to waive the cost. Find VFC clinics by using this vaccine map.

For additional information on school and childcare vaccinations visit the Washington State Department of Health School and Child Care Immunizations Information for Families page.

Vaccine Hesitancy Survey

Help us better understand how parents and caregivers make decisions about childhood vaccinations by completing our brief survey. Your experiences, perspectives, and feedback are valuable and will help us better understand the needs of families in our community and provide more helpful support and resources.

The survey is quick to complete, and your input can make a difference!

👉 Take the Survey

Thank you for your time and for sharing your feedback with us!