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Pet Disaster Preparedness

What happens to your pet if there is a disaster?  Have you planned for it?  Does your family know what to do?

Preparedness is a team effort. Our department, the King County Office of Emergency Management, does it's part every day by sharing information about staying safe in disasters, mitigation steps to take, and emergency plans to practice and pursue. It's time for YOU to do YOUR part.

In our post-9/11 world, a community prepared for the inevitability of a natural or man-made disaster makes our region as a whole that much safer. If the safety of your family, neighbor, and region is important to you, check out the links provided on our site to find out more about creating a plan designed just for you and your loved ones. Read on to learn more about how to handle emergencies and disasters in our area at home, work, and as you commute.  This was taken from http://www.metrokc.gov/prepare/preparerespond/prepared.aspx.

Keep in mind that the county plans for people not pets, and you need to do your part for both your family and your pets.  Many people plan for their homes, children, and property, however pets often get overlooked in that planning process.  Pets are dependant on you for their protection, food, and just about every aspect of their life.  While we live in an area that does not have many natural disasters, we must still plan for the unexpected.  It is important to have a disaster plan in place, not only to protect your family but your pets too.  This information is offered to help you in your planning and is by no means complete.  It is intended to give you guidance in planning for your pets safety during an disaster. Disasters that are likely to happen in our part of Washington are the following (taken from King County Emergency Services):

The following are common disasters that may strike in King County. Click to learn more about the affects of these hazards and what you can do to prepare.

	Avalanche An avalanche is a mass of loosened snow or ice that suddenly and swiftly slides down a mountain, often growing as it descends and collects additional material such as mud, rocks, trees and debris.
	Dam Failures There are 87 dams in King County that can impact flood-prone and other areas if they should fail.
	Droughts Drought is a condition of climatic dryness which is severe enough to reduce soil moisture and water below the minimum necessary for sustaining plant, animal, and human life systems.
	Earthquakes An earthquake is a naturally induced shaking of the ground. Earthquakes are caused by the fracture and sliding of rock within the Earth’s crust.
	Energy Shortages and Utility Outages King County's electricity infrastructure includes six hydroelectric plants, four coal-fired plants and six oil and natural gas-fired plants.
	Fire Hazards King County experiences three types of fire threats: structure fires, forest fires and wildland/urban interface fires.
	Flooding A flood is the inundation of normally dry land resulting from the rising and overflowing of a body of water.
	Hazardous Materials Releases Hazardous materials spills might cause the short or long-term evacuation of an area.
	Landslide The term landslide refers to the down slope movement of masses of rock and soil.
	Pandemic Flu A world-wide epidemic involving the spread of a flu virus which human beings have been previously unexposed to.
	Radiation Hazards There are a number of potential causes of radiation hazards, such as an accident at a nuclear facility, nuclear detonation, or accident at a research or medical facility utilizing radiological materials.
	Severe Storms King County is subject to various local storms that affect the Pacific Northwest throughout the year, such as wind, snow, ice, and hail.
	Terrorism Terrorism has been defined by the FBI as "the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government; the civilian population; or any segment of it, in furtherance of political or social objectives."
	Transportation Accidents Transportation available in King County include air, rail, water and road. All of these systems provide services on a national, regional and local basis. A major accident is possible on any of these modes of transportation.
	Tsunami Recent studies regarding the potential for a great Cascadia Subduction zone earthquake off the Washington, Oregon, and Northern California coastlines indicate the local tsunami waves may reach nearby coastal communities within minutes of the earthquake.

	Most shelters do not allow pets due to sanitation regulations
	Your best bet it to check with local veterinarians, pet sitters, kennels, and neighbors to see if they could care for you pet
	Some local hotels accept pets  (remember they may charge additional or have size restrictions) so have a list on hand

	How about pet food for a week or two?
	Fresh water for that week or two?  (you would need this as well)
	Toys to play with
	Treats
	Collars and leashes (a chain and something to secure it to in case your fence is damaged)
	Collar and ID tag (microchip) on your pet at all times
	Grooming items
	Can opener
	Crate, X-Pen, some type of enclosure
	Radio and Batteries (pets love to hear voices)
	Pet First Aid Kit (do you have one, if you don't you can get one at your local pet store or at http://pattimoran.com)
	A current photo of your pet (helps if your pet is lost)
	Pets medical records (extra medication on hand)