When Disaster Strikes

Those in the Pacific Northwest typically don’t have to deal with extreme weather events – tornadoes and hurricanes come to mind – like the rest of the country.

But many experts say it’s simply a matter of time before a major earthquake – that’s the one we have to worry about – strikes the region. Severe storms that have knocked power out in parts of Snohomish County for days are just a taste of what might be coming. Snohomish County Emergency Management’s “Disaster Preparedness Guide 2024” urges residents to be prepared to be on their own for two weeks.

And don’t forget about your pets – Mukilteo Animal Control Officer Shanita Duke advises owners to prepare a go-bag. “Make sure you have enough supplies in case the big earthquake hits so you have enough for your animals to get them through, too.” 

At the top of her list is a first aid kit, whether it be for a dog, cat, bird, or something else (hamster, snake?)

Pet owners should be able to grab a go-bag in an instant. A typical bag should include a collar, leash, vet information, family member contacts, and a small amount of food and water (don’t forget the pet dish). A carrier or crate should be easily accessible, as well as a litter box and litter. You can use a small cage or a cat carrier for birds. Pack a photo of your pet and proof of ownership with microchip/tag information. In the event your pet becomes separated from you, you will need proof of ownership to retrieve your pet from a shelter in many cases.

Duke also suggests the following basic items:

• Pet first aid book
• Phone numbers for your vet, along with information for
  the nearest emergency clinic and poison control hotline
• Muzzle or roll gauze
• Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting)
• Blanket
• Towel
• Ice pack
• Petroleum jelly
• Digital thermometer
• Scissors
• Sterile nonstick gauze pads
• Sterile saline solution
• Tweezers
• Cotton swabs

House pets aren’t the only animals to be concerned about in a natural disaster. Many residents in rural areas have chickens, goats, pigs, horses, and other livestock.

The Humane Society of the United States suggests contacting the state Department of Agriculture and county extension services well in advance to learn how they can help in an evacuation. If evacuation is not possible, these agencies may be able to provide on-site assistance.

Poultry should have access to high perches if they are in a flood-prone area, as well as food and clean water. Residents may want to consider removing all barbed wire and rerouting permanent fencing so animals can move to high ground in a flood and to low-lying areas during high winds.

Other suggestions include:

• Install a hand pump and obtain enough large containers to water your animals for at least a week – municipal water supplies and wells are often contaminated during a disaster.
• Consider alternate water and power sources. A generator with a safely stored supply of fuel may be essential if you have electrical equipment necessary for the well-being of the animals.
• Secure or remove anything that could become blowing debris.

If evacuation is not possible, residents need to decide to confine large animals to an available shelter or leave them out in pastures. Owners may believe animals are safer inside barns, but in many circumstances confinement takes away animals’ ability to protect themselves.

This decision should be based on the type of disaster and the soundness and location of the sheltering building.

More information: humanesociety.org