Washington public health updates
Visit these trusted resources for the information you need to keep yourself, your family, and your community safer.
Table of Contents
On this page:
- Environmental advisories
- Latest Washington advisories
- Other public health alerts
- Federal Center for Disease Control (CDC) Updates
Weather and Natural DisastersCold weather safety
Latest Washington health advisories
These public health advisories are affecting Washington right now.
Learn more
See the Washington Department of Health emergency website for more information.
Other Public Health alerts
In some cases, there are alerts from the Washington State Department of Health that can affect the health of you and your family related to food or drinking water safety.
You can check for alerts at the websites below:
CDC updates
Recent updates provided and maintained by the CDC Newsroom*:
- U.S. Government Releases First National One Health Plan to Protect People, Animals, and Our Environment from Shared Health Threats
- First H5 Bird Flu Death Reported in United States
- CDC Confirms First Severe Case of H5N1 Bird Flu in the United States
- CDC warns of a Salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers
- CDC warns of Listeria linked to ready-to-eat meat and poultry products
Home heating safety
Tips to keep warm safely this winter
Cold temperatures and seasonal storms may have you looking for ways to keep your home warm and cozy.
You may also be looking for cheaper ways to keep your home warm with rising electricity and fuel costs. While there are many “hacks” and videos out there claiming to save you money on heating this winter, you should also be aware of the dangers.
How to keep warm safely
When looking for ways to keep your home safe and warm this winter, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Keep propane stoves, charcoal and gas grills and outdoor heating items outdoors. These items can give off poisonous fumes and carbon monoxide. These fumes can fill your home and result in making your family very ill or even cause death.
- Wood burning stoves and fireplaces can keep your house warm, but be sure to keep these items clear of decorations or other flammable items. It can also be helpful to have your chimney serviced every year by a licensed chimney sweep to prevent chimney fires.
- Be aware of portable heating units, such as space heaters. Make sure they are plugged directly into an outlet, not a power strip or extension cord, and are at least 3 feet away from flammable items. This includes, furniture, clothing, and other items that could catch fire.
- Never leave items with an open flame, such as candles, unattended in your home.
For more on fire safety and tips for keeping your home warm, please read these resources:
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