Announcements from Doddridge Co Health Department

09/07/2026

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit
To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.

Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives

Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution

Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Cash or traveler's checks

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes

Fire extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

Paper and pencil

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

09/04/2026

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for southeast Ohio, northeast Kentucky, and West Virginia until 9 PM. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary hazard, but a few instances of severe hail are also possible. In addition, heavy downpours could lead to localized instances of flash flooding. Please keep updated on the forecast and have a way to receive warnings.

09/04/2026

🛡️ SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH! 🛡️

Emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere—and being prepared can make all the difference! 💚

Throughout National Preparedness Month, the Doddridge County Health Department will be sharing weekly preparedness tips to help you and your family become more prepared, informed, and ready for the unexpected.

Each week, we’ll focus on simple steps you can take to:
✅ Make an emergency plan
🎒 Build a preparedness kit
📱 Stay informed during emergencies
🏠 Prepare your home and family
🤝 Help keep our community safe

Preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated. Small steps today can make a BIG difference when an emergency happens.

📲 Follow our page throughout September and watch for our Weekly Preparedness Tips!

📚 Stop by the Doddridge County Health Department all month long for additional FREE planning guides and helpful preparedness tools.

💚 Prepared Today for a Safer Tomorrow.
Doddridge County Health Department
Healthy People. Stronger Communities.

09/04/2026

An approaching front brings rounds of showers and storms through Saturday. Some strong to severe storms may produce damaging winds and/or hail. Heavy downpours could also lead to localized flash flooding.
A Heat Advisory remains in effect for the lowlands until this evening, then the heat risk lessens over the weekend.

09/02/2026

A heat advisory remains in effect through Thursday evening. Heat index values up to are 103 expected. The high temperatures paired with oppressive humidity may cause heat-related illness. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

09/01/2026

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month!
Continued prayers for the ones who have won the battle and those who are still fighting and the families who have lost a loved one.

09/01/2026

08/26/2026

⚠️ PUBLIC NOTICE: WATER OUTAGE – WEST UNION ⚠️

A scheduled water outage will affect West Union on Thursday, August 27, beginning at 8:00 AM and continuing until work is completed.

The Doddridge County Health Department would like to remind all restaurants, food service facilities, and other permitted food establishments to prepare accordingly and follow safe food-handling procedures during the outage.

💧 HANDWASHING

Proper handwashing must be available during ALL hours of operation.

If normal running water is unavailable, a temporary handwashing station may be used in an emergency:

Fill a water dispenser with an on/off spigot (such as an Igloo-style water cooler) with warm water.
Place the dispenser over a sink or catch basin.
Provide soap and paper towels at the station.
🍽️ DISHWASHING & SANITIZING

Dishes, utensils, and food-contact equipment must continue to be washed, rinsed, and sanitized at least every 4 hours.

Before the outage:

Reserve enough potable water to complete the necessary dishwashing cycles during the outage.
For example, if the outage lasts 8 hours, plan for enough water for at least two batches of dishes.
Whenever possible, use disposable items, including paper plates, disposable utensils, foil pans, and similar products, to reduce dishwashing needs.
🚫 WATER-CONNECTED EQUIPMENT

Do not use equipment or machines connected directly to the public water system until water service has been restored and the system has been released from any Boil Water Advisory/Notice that may accompany the outage.

This includes:

Ice machines
Coffee makers
Soda fountains
Other equipment connected directly to the water supply

⚠️ Food establishments should prepare BEFORE 8:00 AM on Thursday by storing an adequate supply of potable water and obtaining disposable service items as needed.

Please plan ahead to ensure safe food service operations throughout the outage.

Doddridge County Health Department

08/21/2026

Our Fall BCCSP/Family Planning dates!!