The Health Department offers forms and resources for town health officers (THOs) about significant public health issues and their role in their community. Below are some resources sorted by topic that may be helpful to town health officers.

For additional information, the Town Health Officer Hotline is available Monday through Friday (except state holidays), 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 800-439-8550.

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cover of Town Health Officer Manual

 

Find current COVID-19 information here

Get the THO Manual

Read the THO Law

Learn about the role of the THO

Forms

Appointing a Town Health Officer Forms

Other Forms

Resources

Know who to call for an issue: Resource List for THOs

Topic Title Description

Bed Bugs

Don't Let the Bed Bugs Bite: What You Need to Know

Fact sheet that describes bed bug infestations: how to identify, confirm, handle and prevent them

Bed Bugs

Pests and Bed Bugs in Your Home

Web page on bed bugs including a "Bed Bugs 101" video

Bed Bugs

Bed Bug Protection Tips

Presentation with general information on bed bugs and protection tips on how to prevent infestations

Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)

Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)

Web page with a video on how to identify cyanobacteria, plus guidance for Vermont communities

Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)

Cyanobacteria Health Alert Poster

Translated posters are available

To post at recreational areas when cyanobacteria are present at less than bloom levels or in areas that are not used for swimming (for example, boat launches)

Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)

Cyanobacteria Swim Area Closed Poster

Translated posters are available

To post at recreational areas when there is a large cyanobacteria bloom covering most of the swimming area

Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae)

Lake Conditions

Check recent cyanobacteria reports on the Tracker Map or see the weekly summary for Lake Champlain and some inland lakes during the monitoring season (from about mid-June through fall)

Drinking Water

Drinking Water

Web page with links to the lab and which contaminants private well owners should test for, plus a video on how to use drinking water test kits

Health Order

Emergency Public Health Order Template

Template for writing Emergency Public Health Order

Health Order

Emergency Public Health Order

Example of an Emergency Public Health Order

Health Order

Public Health Order

Example of a Public Health Order

Health Order

Notice of Intent

Example of a Notice of Intent

Health Order

Procedural Rights

Template for a Health Order Statement of Procedural Rights

Lead

Lead Hazards and Lead Poisoning

Web page on potential lead hazards and how to prevent lead poisoning

Lead

Required Lead-Safe Practices for Contractors

Fact sheet on what work practices contractors are required to do under the Vermont Lead Law

Lead

Vermont Lead Poisoning Prevention Law: Inspection, Repair and Cleaning (IRC) Practices

Web page on the requirement for Inspection, Repair and Cleaning (IRC) Practices

Mold

Mold in Your Home

Web page on mold clean-up with a link to the Environmental Protection Agency's guide to mold

Rabies

Rabies Control Information

Web page on rabies including a Rabies Alert Hotline poster, contact information for Rabies Hotlines, and vaccination clinics

Radon

Radon in Your Home

Web page with information on radon in air and in water, plus how to request a free radon test kit and a video on how to test for radon

Rental Housing

Vermont Rental Housing Codes

Web page to look up rental housing codes

Sewer/Wastewater

Wastewater Systems and Potable Water Supplies

Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC's) web page with sewer and wastewater information

Solid Waste

Waste Not Guide

Flyer describing what to do with items banned from the trash

Solid Waste and Recycling

A Vermonter's Guide to Recycling

Flyer depicting what is and what is not recyclable

Swimming Areas

Swim Area Closed Poster

To post when closing a swimming or recreational area for a reason other than cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)

Swimming Areas

Recreational Water

Web page with links to the Healthy Recreational Waters Guidance document and fact sheet and information on swim water testing

Health Order

Procedural Rights

Template for an Emergency Health Order Statement of Procedural Rights