YAKIMA, Wash. — In case a fire threatens the Yakima Humane Society, they have a comprehensive plan to evacuate.
Located across from Sherman Park, the Yakima Humane Society has seen their fair share of fires in and around the area, according to Keli Peal, Director of Operations.
“We’ve actually seen a lot of fires here near the Greenway… and had one right next to us just a few weeks ago,” said Peal.
At the Humane Society, 100+ animals are cared for every day. Right now, they are at full capacity and cannot accept any more to come through the doors.
In the event that there is a fire that threatens the shelter and it’s occupants, Peal says that they have an evacuation plan.
“So we have a couple of large organizations locally here where we would transition to… then other agencies, volunteers, foster groups would come in and take the animals for temporary housing while the situation was resolved,” said Peal.
These organizations, like locally managed Wags to Riches and Yakima Valley Pet Rescue, could be joined by other regional organizations like the Red Cross and Seattle Humane Society.
Peal also mentions how important it is to take preventative steps to ensure that your pet is taken care of if they are lost during a personal evacuation.
“It’s so important to microchip and to put neck bands on your animals…those things would prevent these animals from being here for an extended period of time and then we could get them home immediately,” said Peal.
Ready.gov, a government website that helps people with emergency preparedness, suggests having a plan and kit for your pet in the case of an emergency. In the kit, you should have enough food and water to last several days, grooming and sanitation items, as well as medicines for your pet.
