Animal Services Tests Disaster Readiness during April 27 Exercise

For Immediate Release: Friday, April 17, 2009

Animal Services Tests Disaster Readiness during April 27 Exercise

Animal Services will practice setting up and responding to animal emergencies from a temporary shelter in Tigard   

Photo Opportunity: Animal Disaster Relief Team practicing set-up, triage, and impoundment of animals from temporary Tigard site        

No animal-lover will ever forget the terrible toll of Hurricane Katrina when thousands of pets were lost or abandoned. There were even people who lost their lives because they wouldn't leave their animals behind when human-only rescuers arrived.

That won't happen in Washington County if disaster strikes. Thanks to Washington County Animal Services, there will be help for the county's four-legged citizens.

The County is practicing those skills on April 27, Monday, from 11 a.m. 4 p.m., in Potso Park, Tigard. Partner agencies and animal groups, such as Tigard Pets, Animal Assisted Crisis Response, and the Tigard Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will also participate in this exercise.

"Our goal for the practice day is to test and evaluate our readiness and equipment," says Animal Services supervisor Jeannette Nachbar. Specific goals consist of testing message handling skills, performing basic first aid, handling animals, and processing animal admissions.

"We'll use a 'Shelter-in-a-Box' model, meaning we'll set up and operate using equipment we have in a trailer," Nachbar adds. Some of the emergency equipment includes a generator, first-aid and medical supplies, extra crates and kennels, and provisions for the animals and rescue workers.

The schedule for the day follows:

• 11:00 Leave Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter, 1901 SE 24th Avenue, Hillsboro
• Transport emergency trailer to Potso Park, on Wall Street off Hunziker Street, Tigard
• 12:00 Arrive at Potso Park, set up temporary shelter
• 13:00 – 16:00 Conduct emergency exercise
• 16:00 Disassemble temporary shelter, load, and return to animal shelter.

Complementary Sidebar: Be Prepared Before Disaster Strikes

The best way to keep your pets safe is to prepare for possible emergencies ahead of time. Here are some tips on how to prepare an emergency plan and kit for your companion animals.

Prepare your pets 

• Make sure your dog wears a collar with a Washington County dog license and your cat wears an identification tag. 
• Also, get a microchip for your pet. A microchip remains in an animal for life and is helpful if your pet loses its collar. Be sure you update your information and that we have your current address and phone numbers. Current information will help Animal Services and emergency personnel reunite your pet with you.
• Arrange for a safe haven. Keep a list of boarding kennels that accept pets or arrange to take your pet to a friend's home. Remember, disaster shelters generally do not accept pets.
• Assemble an emergency kit. Assemble a kit for your pet and place it next to your personal 72-hour emergency kit and near your home's exit.

Include the following items in a 72-hour emergency kit:

• Current photo and license to prove ownership
• Leash
• Two-week supply of food
• Three-day supply of bottled water
• Food and water bowls
• Crate or carrier large enough for your pet in which to stand up and move around
• Cat litter and pan
• Pet's medication
• Paper and cloth towels
• Disinfectants
• Your pet's favorite toys.

For more disaster preparation information, check out this helpful Web site at the Humane Society of United States.