Frequently Asked Questions

Call 911 any time there is immediate danger to a person or property or any crime in progress.

In Oak Harbor and Island County, all 911 calls go to a central dispatch center (ICOM) which will determine the agency and apparatus to dispatch to the incident. 911 calls can be placed from all phone types: landlines, mobile, and VOIP phones.

In a non-emergency situation, you may contact ICOM 24-hours/day at 360-679-9567.

The City of Oak Harbor has a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) developed by the Director of Emergency Management and approved by City Council. View the CEMP (PDF) online.

Emergency service agencies in Island County participate in a program that provides stuffed animals to children involved in traumatic, emotional or transitional situations. All Oak Harbor Fire Department (OHFD) apparatus carry new stuffed animals designated for this purpose in hopes that it will ease a child's anxiety or just to give them something to focus on and hold on to until the situation is passed.

OHFD is currently taking donations of new stuffed toys only (we cannot take used items at this time). If you'd like to donate please call us at 360-279-4700.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has produced a helpful guide to help homeowners who have experienced a house fire: After the Fire! Returning to Normal (PDF). View it online or pick up a copy at Station 81.

In the brochure, a simple cleaning solution is recommended for clothing (test garments before using treatment), walls, floors, and furniture - for removing smoke and mildew, combine the following:

• 4 to 6 tablespoons Tri-Sodium Phosphate (look for it labeled TSP in the cleaning or paint supply section)
• 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach
• 1 gallon warm water

Drug Disposal

Disposing of over-the-counter and prescription medication properly will help ensure that it doesn't harm a person, animal, or the environment. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also maintains a Controlled Substance Disposal Search Utility to help you find an authorized take-back location or you can search Google Maps for "drug disposal near me" to find your nearest drug disposal site.

Prepare your medication for disposal by removing all pills from original packaging and placing them into a zip-seal bag. Learn more about how to dispose of unused medications from the Federal Drug Administration.

Store prescription drugs in a safe and secure manner until disposing.

Hypodermic Needles (Sharps) Disposal

Place used needles into preferably a PETE plastic (2-liter soda bottle) or red manufactured "Sharps" container (available at pharmacies). When full, screw the lid down tightly and tape it shut.

Dispose of container 9:30 am to 5 pm daily (closed holidays) at: Solid Waste Complex, 20018 SR 20, Coupeville, WA

Mercury Thermometers

Secure to prevent breakage. Deliver to any County Solid Waste facility.

For More Information

For more information contact:

• Island County Solid Waste
• Phone: 360-679-7386
• Phone: 360-321-5111, ext. 7386
• Phone: 360-629-4522, ext. 7386