Monitor Air Quality & Wildfire Smoke
The Air Quality Alert for our region in Benton and Franklin counties has been extended. It is in effect until noon on Wednesday as the air quality reaches unhealthy levels. If you are planning on being outside for work or other activities, please check the air quality guidelines.

 AQI Monitor 

AQI Childrens Activities

Help Our Community Beat The Heat

As the temperatures continue to rise this summer, BFHD is partnering with 211 to identify and share businesses that are interested in participating as a Temporary Cooling Center in Benton and Franklin counties.

Temporary Cooling Centers are brick-and-mortar locations offering air conditioning and a safe environment for individuals to cool down and catch their breath, normally during regular business hours. These participating businesses significantly reduce the rise of heat-related illnesses.


If you are interested in joining the 211 list, please reach out to BFHD
's Investigations, Planning and Preparedness Manager, Sierra Knutson, sierra[email protected].


Message from the Health Officer, Dr. Larry Jecha:
“The Temporary Cooling Centers are safety nets that are valuable in preventing heat-related complications like heat stroke, heat exhaustion and even death. This is a community problem, and everyone should be aware of the people around you. If you know of vulnerable people, including seniors, check in on them. We are grateful to all the businesses, faith-based services, and organizations for keeping our community safer, especially our vulnerable community. Just a little relief and opportunity to cool down during hot summer days can make a difference and save a life.”

Learn more about the patterns of heat waves, click here to read the latest blog from Your Local 
Epidemiologist.

Please click on the flyer to download the PDF version and share it with your employees, community and family & friends. 

Cooling Center Flyer

    

Heat Stroke

Are You Prepared?
Being prepared for an emergency is the best way to protect yourself and your family against any kind of disasters  Here are a few simple steps you can take to prepare
:

1. Be Informed
2. Plan Ahead
3. Take Action

To learn more click on the specific tabs below:

Last item for navigation

(Links below open Consumer Product Safety Commission report in new window)

8/20/23 - Air Quality Alert: The Washington State Department of Ecology and Yakima Regional Clean Air Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert, in effect until Wednesday, 8/23/23 at 12 p.m. -National Weather Service Report
Air Quality Alert

6/12/23 - 
Soojimus Recalls CUPKIN Stainless Steel Children’s Cups Due to Violation of Federal Lead Content Ban (Recall Alert) | CPSC.gov
Cupkin Recall

6/12/23 - 
Wawona Frozen Foods Voluntarily Recalls Organic Daybreak Blend Processed and Sold in 2022 Due to Possible Health Risk.

Bags of frozen fruit identifying recalled items




5/30/23 - 
Bunch Bikes recalls The Preschool Electric Bicycles due to lead poisoning hazard.

Picture of recalled Preschool Electric Bicycles from Bunch Bikes

 

5/23/23 - Target Recalls Nearly Five Million Threshold Candles Due to Laceration and Burn Hazards; Sold Exclusively at Target.
Image of two candles from the recall side-to-side on a white background