Being prepared for any situation is part of being an islander.
THINK BEFORE YOU DIAL…
It is vital that 9-1-1 is used for emergencies only.
Post these numbers near your phone
* Phones that work during a power outage
CELL PHONE EMERGENCY 360-378-4141
Orcas Island Fire Business Office 376-2331
Sheriff Dispatch Desk (non-emergency) 376-2207*
Red Cross 360-770-8892
MEDICAL
Orcas Medical Center 360-376-2561*
Dr. Olmsted 360-293-3101
Nurse Midwife Melinda Milligan 376-4267*
Orcas Family Health Center 376-7778*
Dr. David Russell 376-4949*
Dr. Evan Buxbaum (Pedi) 376-7337
Eye Care - Dr. Chris White 376-5310
Ray’s Pharmacy 376-2230
after hours emergency only 376-3693
ORCAS PUBLIC SCHOOL CLOSURES
Automated Message 376-1596*
SERVICES & UTILITIES
Orcas Island Fire District Office 376-2331
OPALCO – Business phone 376-3500*
Large Power Outages 376-3599*
Eastsound Water Users 376-2127*
CenturyTel Phone 1-800-824-2877*
SeaTac Shuttle Service 1-800-448-8443
LOCAL ROAD CONDITIONS
Main Office 370-0500
On-line Info: www.sanjuanislander.com
MAINLAND ROAD CONDITIONS
WA State Travel Info 511
FERRY SERVICES
WSF Direct Info 1-888-808-7977
Orcas Landing 376-6253
Friday Harbor 378-8665
Lopez 468-4095
Shaw 468-2142*
ANIMALS AND PET EMERGENCY
Orcas Vet Service 376-6373*
Wolf Hollow (wildlife info) 378-5000*
Orcas Island Animal Shelter 376-6777
TUNE IN FOR INFORMATION
School Closures and delays:
KGMI 790 AM, KAFE 104.3 FM,
Or KLKI 1340 AM
KOMO TV Channel 4, KING TV Channel 5
KIRO TV Channel 7, KCPQ TV Channel 13
General Orcas Road & Emergency Info
KLKI 1340 AM KGMI 790 Am or
KISM 92.9 FM
WEB SITES
Orcas Fire: www.orcasfire.org
San Juan Co. Emergency Management: www.sanjuandem.net
San Juan Co: www.co.san-juan.wa.us
OPALCO: www.opalco.com
Weather: www.noaa.gov
WS Ferries: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries
Ferry Cam: www.islandcam.com/orcas.html
WA Roads & Passes: wsdot.wa.gov/traffiic
Pets and Disasters
Get Prepared
Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us for their safety and well-being. Here's how you can be prepared to protect your pets when disaster strikes.
Be prepared with A Disaster Plan
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a nor-easter or wildland fire, you may have to evacuate your home.
In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them too. Leaving them behind, even if you try to create a safe place form them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave home.
1. Have a Safe Place to Take Your Pet
Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of states' health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.
Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of pending disaster, call ahead for reservations.
Ask friends, relatives or other outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.
Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
Ask local animals shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in disaster. Animals shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have so well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.
2. Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.) Your pet disaster supplies kit should include-
• Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carrier to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan and can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
3. Know What to do as a Disaster Approaches
Often, warnings are issued hours, even days in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pets.
Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.
Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary helter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative out-side the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.
You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Fid out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged locating. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a pet sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.
Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But bare in mind those animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, and try to escape or even bite and scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.
Caring for Birds in an Emergency
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include them as well.
Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car before placing birds inside. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the birds' feathers periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport. Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetable with high water content. Have a photo of identification and leg bands. If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently. Try to keep the carrier in a quiet area. Do not let the birds out of the cage or carrier.
About other Pets
Reptiles
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include
Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase but them must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site. If your snakes require frequent feedings, carry food with you. Take a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad. When transporting house lizards, follow the same directions as for birds.
Pocket Pets
Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered.Take bedding materials, food bowls and water bottles.
The Final Word
If you must evacuate do not leave your animals behind. Evacuate them to a prearranged safe locating if they cannot stay with you during the evacuation period. (Remember, pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters). If there is a possibility that disaster may strike while you are out of the house, there are precautions you can take to increase your pets' chances of survival, but they are no a substitute for evacuating with your pets. For more information, contact the Humane Society of the United States, Disaster Services, 2100 L Street, N.W., Washington DC 20037