🎁 Support Local This Season

When possible, consider supporting local shops, farmers, crafters, and nonprofits.

Buying local keeps our community strong and helps neighbors thrive — a gift that lasts beyond the holidays.

Today we honor and remember the 2,403 lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

We pause to reflect on their sacrifice and the strength and resilience of our nation.

May we never forget.

🧤 Bundle Up!

Temperatures are dropping — remember hats, gloves, and scarves when heading out.

Protecting your hands, ears, and face helps prevent frostbite and keeps you comfortable during winter activities.

🚗 Winter Driving Readiness

Before hitting the road this winter:
• Check tires
• Keep at least half a tank of gas
• Carry an emergency car kit
• Let someone know your route

Safe travels start with preparation.

🥶 Preventing Frostbite & Hypothermia

Cold temps can be dangerous.
Bundle up, limit time outdoors, and know the warning signs:
• Numbness
• Shivering
• Confusion
• Skin that’s pale or waxy

Stay warm, stay safe!

☀️ Fight the Winter Blues

Shorter days can impact mood.

Try getting sunlight when you can, staying active, connecting with others, and practicing small self-care habits to boost wellbeing.

📱 Stay Informed

Be sure to follow Washington County, IA Emergency Management and download the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Mobile App.
Through the app, you can sign up for alerts, receive notifications, and access important resources in the EMA section.

Knowing about storms, road closures, and temperature drops ahead of time helps you plan and stay safe.

Safe Gift-Giving Tips🎁🔒

If you're giving toys or gadgets this holiday season, remember safety first!
• Choose age-appropriate toys
• Check for small parts or choking hazards
• Make sure batteries (especially button batteries) are secured
• Keep chargers and cords out of reach of little ones

Healthy holidays start with safe choices.

🔦 Happy National Flashlight Day!

A great reminder to check your emergency kits, replace old batteries, and make sure every household member knows where flashlights are kept.

Preparedness keeps families safe — especially during winter months.

Holiday Travel Health Tips🚗❄️

Heading out of town this month? A few quick travel reminders:
• Pack medications and keep them in your carry-on or personal bag
• Bring extra snacks and water
• Keep hand sanitizer handy
• Check road and weather conditions before leaving
• If you are sick--Stay home

Safe travels and stay healthy out there!

Winter Handwashing Reminder🧼✨

Cold and flu season is here!

A quick reminder that handwashing remains one of the MOST effective ways to prevent illness.

Wash for 20 seconds (sing the ABC's or Happy Birthday twice) with warm water and soap — especially after being out in public, before meals, and after coughing or sneezing.

✨🎄 Wishing everyone a warm and peaceful Christmas Eve🎄✨

May your day be filled with comfort, joy, and time with the people who matter most.

📣Please note: Washington County Public Health will be closed on December 24th and 25th so our staff can spend the holiday with their families.
We will reopen on Friday, December 26th at 8AM.

Stay safe and enjoy the magic of the season!

🎄💚 Merry Christmas from Washington County Public Health!💚🎄

We hope your day is filled with joy, connection, and good health.

Thank you to our community for your continued support and partnership throughout the year!

Please note: Washington County Public Health is closed today, December 25th, so our staff can spend the holiday with their families.
We will reopen on Friday, December 26th at 8AM.

Wishing you a safe and wonderful holiday!

✉️💙 Today is National Thank You Note Day— a perfect opportunity to express gratitude.

A simple note can brighten someone’s day and strengthen community connections.

Who deserves a thank you from you today?

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tip🔥🚨

With heaters, fireplaces, and generators being used more often, carbon monoxide risks go up in winter.

• Install CO detectors on every level of your home
• Never use grills or generators indoors
• Check that vents and chimneys are clear of snow

A quick safety check can save lives.

Mental Health Check-In💙🧠

The holidays can be joyful — but they can also be stressful or overwhelming.

Take a moment today to check in with yourself and your loved ones.

If you’re struggling, reaching out is a sign of strength. Support is available, and you’re not alone.

**Call/Text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org
**Your Life Iowa- Call- 855-581-8111, Text- 855-895-8398, Chat at yourlifeiowa.org

As we wrap up 2025, we’re grateful for another year of serving this wonderful community.

And yes — it also happens to be National Pretend to Work Day 😄

If you’re “working,” we hope your day is light, your coffee is strong, and your evening is full of celebration!

Reminder: Washington County Public Health will be closed on Thursday, January 1st in observance of New Year’s Day. We will reopen on Friday, January 2nd at 8AM.

Stay safe and have a healthy start to the new year!