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Emergency Management

September, 2025

Protect your flock: Bird flu risks rise with fall migration

As migratory birds return to Washington, so does the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). While no new detections in domestic flocks have been confirmed in Washington State since February 2025, the threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza remains high as birds begin their fall migration.

The best way to prevent birds from becoming infected is to keep the virus from reaching domestic birds in the first place. Biosecurity refers to practices anyone can take to make sure they do not carry disease into or out of an area housing poultry. These measures can include washing boots or shoes before entering and when leaving a chicken coop, sanitizing equipment used around poultry and wearing clean clothing around birds. Learn more.

Report sick or dead birds!

One of our best defenses against HPAI is knowing when and where it appears—reporting sick or dead birds quickly makes all the difference.

• Sick BACKYARD birds? Call WSDA Sick Bird Hotline: 1-800-606-3056
• Dead WILD birds? Don’t touch—report: https://bit.ly/WDFW-ReportWildBird
• Farm animals or pets sick? Call your vet right away.

Earthquake preparedness: Great ShakeOut coming in October

Things have been a bit shaky lately in Washington, which should be a not-so-subtle reminder to have an earthquake plan for your farm, processing plant, or food business.

The annual Great ShakeOut drill happens on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:16 a.m. Encourage your networks to participate by practicing “Drop, Cover, and Hold On.” Even small quakes can disrupt agriculture by cutting off power, transportation, or water—preparation matters.

➡️ Resource: The Great Washington ShakeOut

Actions producers should take: 

1. Food & Water: Keep at least 2 weeks of food, feed, and clean water for people and animals. 
2. Secure Your Farm: Strap down shelves, fuel tanks, and chemical storage. Check barns for structural risks. 
3. Animal Safety: Have a plan for evacuation or safe holding areas. Practice handling stressed livestock. American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Disaster Preparedness for Owners of Farm Animals.
4. Get Alerts: Sign up for ShakeAlert to get seconds of warning before strong shaking. PNSN ShakeAlert
5. Protect Records: Back up herd health, animal ID, and insurance documents off-site or in the cloud. 
6. Build a Network: Volunteer with a Community Animal Response Team (CART). Reach out to county emergency management or sheriff's office for local opportunities. 

✅ A note for our EM partners. Thank you for continuing to share clear, consistent messages with your audiences. Whether it’s bird flu, wildfire recovery, or storm season, your communication helps communities prepare, respond, and recover faster.

Fire recovery efforts continue

Even after the smoke clears, wildfire recovery takes months or years. Producers rebuilding operations should document damages carefully, connect early with USDA Farm Service Agency offices, and explore conservation district programs for soil and land recovery. Emergency managers can help by pointing producers to reliable recovery resources and encouraging long-term planning.

➡️ Resource: WSDA Wildfire Preparedness & Recovery

Mental health in emergency management

Responding to disasters takes a toll, not only on communities but also on the people supporting them. Farmers, ag workers, and emergency managers themselves may experience stress, fatigue, and burnout during prolonged recovery. Remind your networks that support is available: the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential help 24/7. 

➡️ Resource: 

Washington 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for immediate, 24/7, free and confidential support.

WSU Extension Farm Stress and Mental Health – Washington State University Extension offers farm stress education, workshops, and access to mental health resources tailored to rural and agricultural communities.

National Farm Aid Hotline – (1-800-FARM-AID) A national hotline offering farmers free and confidential assistance, including financial counseling, disaster resources, and mental health referrals.

DOH Behavioral Health (DOH) – DOH provides behavioral health resources during emergencies and outbreaks, including support lines and coping strategies.

Washington weather & hazards trivia

Q: What was the largest recorded earthquake in Washington?

A: The 6.8 Nisqually earthquake on February 28, 2001. It shook much of western Washington, damaged buildings in Olympia, Seattle, and Tacoma, and caused more than $2 billion in losses.

👉 While Nisqually was the biggest in recent memory, geologists warn that Washington sits on several active faults — including the Cascadia Subduction Zone — capable of producing much larger quakes.

That’s why preparedness efforts like the Great ShakeOut are so important.