Emergency Preparedness: Protecting Wildlife

Emergency Preparedness Update: Training, Fire Prevention, and Winter Readiness

October 2026 | Cat Tales Wildlife Center

By Deborah Wyche | Project Leader

At Cat Tales Wildlife Center, emergency preparedness is a year-round responsibility. As we transition from the dry summer months into the colder season, our focus continues to be on protecting the animals in our care, preparing our staff, and maintaining the equipment and supplies needed to respond to unexpected situations.

Although we have not received any new donations to our Emergency Preparedness Fund since our last report, important work has continued through staff training, volunteer support, and careful management of our existing resources.

Strengthening Staff Emergency Training

Over the past month, our staff has participated in additional emergency preparedness training, including reviewing and becoming familiar with scenario-based protocols for a variety of potential emergency situations.

These discussions and training activities help staff understand their responsibilities, recognize potential hazards, and respond more effectively when unexpected situations arise. Preparing for emergencies before they happen is especially important at a wildlife facility, where the safety of animals, employees, students, and visitors must all be considered.

Volunteer Support Makes a Difference

We were fortunate to welcome two volunteer groups over the past month who helped with an important part of our wildfire prevention efforts.

Working around the exterior areas of the sanctuary, these volunteers raked and removed hundreds of pounds of accumulated pine needles and other dry vegetation. This material can become a significant fire hazard during dry conditions, and its removal helps reduce combustible fuel around our facility.

Their hard work is another reminder that protecting wildlife takes a community. We are grateful for the time and energy these volunteers contributed to making Cat Tales a safer place.

Restocking Supplies and Preparing for Winter

Emergency readiness also means ensuring that essential supplies and equipment are available when needed.

During the past month, we have:

• Restocked first aid supplies, including wraps, gauze, pads, and other essential materials.

• Checked and replenished fuel supplies for generators and other emergency equipment to ensure they are readily available.

• Continued seasonal food preparation and storage to maintain a reliable supply of animal diets as colder weather approaches.

Our seasonal equine food preparation will conclude this Sunday, leaving our freezers stocked to capacity as we head into winter. Maintaining this food reserve is an important part of our preparedness planning, helping us continue providing consistent animal care if severe weather, transportation disruptions, or other emergencies affect normal supply deliveries.

Current Project Status

Fundraising Goal: $10,000
Total Raised: $2,150
Remaining Need: $7,850
Donors: 13

No new donations have been received since our previous report, but we continue to make progress through the dedication of our team and community volunteers.

Preparedness Is an Ongoing Commitment

While wildfire prevention remains a major concern in the Inland Northwest, our emergency planning extends beyond a single season or type of emergency. Severe weather, power outages, animal emergencies, and unexpected disruptions all require careful preparation.

Our fundraising goal remains important. Additional support will help us continue improving emergency equipment, specialized animal transport and containment resources, staff training, and safety systems throughout the sanctuary.

Every training session, every supply restocked, and every pound of combustible material removed represents another practical step toward protecting the animals who depend on us.

To everyone who has contributed financially, volunteered their time, or supported our efforts in other ways, thank you for helping us remain ready when it matters most.

With appreciation,

Deborah Wyche & the Cat Tales Team