Washington State Department of Health launches winter seasonal hazards dashboard

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has launched a new winter seasonal hazards dashboard to improve public awareness and preparedness for health risks associated with severe winter weather. This dashboard includes detailed data on incidents such as motor vehicle crashes, cold-related illnesses like hypothermia and frostbite, asthma-related emergency department visits, and carbon monoxide exposures. Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, DOH Chief of Science Officer, emphasized the dashboard's aim to help Washingtonians understand and mitigate the health dangers posed by winter conditions. The tool features interactive maps and graphs that provide visual insights into temperature trends and emergency department visit data by county, empowering healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities with timely information.

This initiative contributes to a comprehensive understanding of seasonal health risks, facilitating informed decision-making during winter months. Residents can also find additional resources on emergency preparedness through DOH's dedicated pages. Overall, this dashboard is a crucial resource for ensuring community safety and well-being during hazardous winter conditions.