Emergency Response & Preparedness (PHERP)

Emergencies can be caused by nature (an earthquake, flooding, or disease outbreak), accidents (a hazardous chemical spill), or intentional events (bioterrorism). These emergencies often occur without warning and can have serious health effects. We protect your health by reducing the effects of the emergency.

Our Role

Emergency DrillOur goal is to prevent harm where possible, and, when harm is unavoidable, to 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 Clallam County Department of Emergency Management, hospitals, tribes, 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 Clallam, Kitsap, or Jefferson County resident with a public health concern has access to an on-call public health duty officer, around the clock, every day of the year. Please call us: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm 360-417-2274, after hours and holidays, dial 911.

In the event of an emergency that affects the health of our community, Clallam County Health and Human Services' responsibility is 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
  • Assist agencies in hazardous material spills
  • Help state and federal agencies monitor air, food, and water supplies to ensure they are safe

We have a Mutual Aid Agreement (PDF) with local Tribes.

Your Role

A personal emergency preparedness plan is your best protection. An emergency can strike our community, our homes, and our families 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.