The mission of the Iroquois County Public Health Department is to fulfill society’s interest in assuring conditions in which people can reach their maximum health potential.
1001 East Grant Street, Watseka, IL 60970
Emergency Management Agency
The Iroquois County Public Health Department is charged with providing the citizens of Iroquois County with a plan that will ensure Public Health response to any overt threat whether natural or man-made.
Emergency preparedness includes identifying the crisis at hand as well as providing education and media information as appropriate to the public.
***If you believe that you have been exposed to a biological or chemical agent, or if you believe an intentional biological threat will occur or is occurring, please contact your local police or other law enforcement agency and/or your local health department by calling 815-432-4918.***
Bio-terrorism Preparedness
Bio-terrorism Preparedness and Response Emergency/Disaster Plan
The Plan for preparedness and response to an overt threat or a suspected biologic weapons incident is a part of the Iroquois County Public Health Department’s overall emergency and disaster plan (All Hazards Plan) which addresses crisis and consequence management for all emergencies.
The responsibility and authority for assuring that the plan is implemented, when necessary, belongs to the Iroquois County Public Health Department.
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In the event of a biologic emergency, the Iroquois County Public Health Department would, most likely, be delegated the responsibility for coordinating the response. A plan for the distribution of strategic national stockpile medication dispensing has also been completed.
The purpose is to establish policies, procedures and guidelines for the dispensing of mass medications and/or vaccinations to the residents of Iroquois County and to anyone who may be traveling through the county in the event of a bioterrorist attack, disease outbreak, or other natural or man-made disaster.
In order to respond to an actual event in initiating this Plan, coordination and support of multiple agencies and community partners will be necessary.
For public health emergencies outside of business hours: ICOM (815) 432-4918
Boil Order for Residential Property
Boil Order
A boil order is a public health advisory issued by local authorities to notify residents and businesses of water quality issues.​
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Boil orders are fairly common when updating or repairing a community's water infrastructure.
However, at a moment's notice, an event can occur with the potential to dramatically affect water quality such as a chemical spill entering a storm drain or a water line break.
Flood Preparedness
Flood Resources
​Severe flooding is primarily caused by atmospheric conditions that lead to the development of heavy rain or the rapid melting of snow and ice. Natural geography can also make an area more likely to flood.
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Multiple communities in Iroquois County have faced flooding issues and are at risk of further flooding events. ​​
Mold Preparedness
Mold Preparedness
Molds are forms of fungi that are found indoors and outdoors. You are exposed to them daily in the air you breathe. Sometimes molds grow excessively inside your workplace and can cause different types of illnesses.
Most workers will not be affected by molds. Some workers have symptoms like those of hay fever and the common cold, but they can last for longer periods.
Molds can also aggravate asthma. In addition, some people in wet or moldy buildings may have flu-like symptoms. Most health problems are temporary and can be controlled by limiting exposure to molds.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Mold Clean-up Instructions Flyer
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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) – Mold and Mildew Booklet
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Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Mold & Mildew Pamphlet
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Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) – Mold and Your Health Fact Sheet
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Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)- Reducing Your Exposure to Mold