San Diego City Wire

San Diego County Animal Services is urging residents to be prepared for the possibility of evacuating with their pets or livestock in the event of a disaster. This reminder comes in light of the Pacific Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles, highlighting the increased fire danger during Santa Ana wind conditions.

County Animal Services has been proactive, equipping animal control officers with protective fire gear and providing comprehensive training sessions for volunteers. These efforts aim to enhance emergency response and preparedness, offering guidance and resources for pet disaster readiness to the public.

Residents are advised not to leave pets behind if evacuation becomes necessary. The department emphasizes that animals left at home may face risks from fires or winds that could damage properties, allowing pets to escape or exposing them to potential harm from other animals or environmental factors.

The agency advises against waiting for an official evacuation notice if individuals feel unsafe. Evacuating promptly is crucial as smoke or adverse weather conditions can impair road visibility or worsen road conditions due to damage or congestion.

Animal Services recommends several actions to ensure pet safety during disasters. Establishing a buddy system with neighbors is encouraged so they can check on each other's animals if someone is absent during an emergency.

For additional information on livestock considerations, residents can visit the Animal Services disaster page. The free County AlertSanDiego app is available for download, allowing users to register for emergency notifications.