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Public Health

The Kitsap County Health District’s Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan is designed for all types of public health emergencies. The plan defines roles and responsibilities for four phases of emergencies: mitigation, planning, response and recovery. It is linked with other emergency response organizations in Kitsap County and their respective emergency plans. It also provides a link to regional and state plans.
 
Our Role
Our goal is to prevent harm where possible, and when harm is unavoidable, to contain it and limit its damage to you and your family. Our emergency planning and preparation begins with developing health-related strategies, guidelines and protocols for emergency response with local partners, such as the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management, hospitals, Tribal Nations and local health care providers. We also participate in local and regional emergency response exercises and maintain a region-wide emergency health communications system. This system assures that every Kitsap, Clallam, or Jefferson County resident with a public health concern has access to an on-call public health leader, around the clock, every day of the year. Call (360) 415-2005.

In the event of an emergency that affects the health of our community, the health district’s responsibility would be to:

  • Identify ways to reduce health risks, including the use of vaccinations and medications;
  • Investigate communicable diseases and work to stop their spread;
  • Provide local health care providers with urgent health information, treatment guidelines and access to vaccinations and medications;
  • Communicate health information and advice to the public; and
  • Help state and federal agencies monitor air and water supplies to ensure they are safe;
Your Role
A Personal Emergency Preparedness Plan is Your Best Protection. An emergency can strike our community, our home, and our family at any time. What would you do if basic services—water, gas, electricity—were cut off? It would take time—days possibly—for relief workers to reach everyone. The best way to keep safe is to be prepared. 

In the event of an emergency, the Kitsap County Health District would communicate with the public through the local media. Information will be posted to our website and the District’s Health Information Line (360-337-5235) and will be updated with current information.