Snohomish County - Snohomish County fire agencies are partnering with the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) to deliver a critical tool in our community’s fight against COVID-19. Fire departments will soon begin distributing approximately 150,000 free cloth face coverings, or masks, to residents throughout the county.
“Getting masks into the hands of people who need them will go a long way toward slowing the spread of the virus in our communities,” said Mukilteo Fire Chief Chris Alexander, president of the Snohomish County Fire Chiefs Association. “As fire agencies, we take our public safety role very seriously and this is just another way we can serve.”
Scientific research shows cloth face coverings can help curb the spread of COVID-19 when widely used in public settings. State law now requires face coverings in public.
Snohomish County DEM purchased a portion of the masks being distributed by fire agencies. The remaining masks were allocated to DEM by the State of Washington. Specific plans on mask distribution will be determined by individual fire agencies within their service areas. If you are in need of a mask, contact your local fire department for more information.
In addition to wearing a face covering, health experts recommend social distancing, frequent handwashing and cleaning frequently touched surfaces to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Snohomish County fire agencies continue coordinating their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This historic effort encompasses fire departments serving about 680,000 residents, more than 80 percent of the county’s population.
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The Everett Fire Department has received a new supply of reusable cloth face covers in adult and children sizes to help meet the needs of our community. If you, your family, or organization are in need of cloth face covers, please contact Rachael Doniger with our Emergency Management Office Division at 425-257-8111 or rdoniger@everettwa.gov.
