Canines, Cats & Other Critters In Crises?
May 14, 2005: Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
Release Date: May 3, 2005
Release Number: R10-05-047
SEATTLE, Wash. -- With the eastern seaboard still recovering from 2004 hurricane damage, and the entire Pacific Northwest nervously awaiting wildfire season, disaster preparedness is still a "hot topic" ...and needs to be. The Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) is hosting its sixth annual nation-wide Animal Disaster Preparedness Day Saturday, May 14 to encourage families to include pets and any other animals being cared for in family disaster preparedness plans. This years theme is: "Don't Leave Home Without Them," and according to U.S. Department of Homeland Security FEMA Regional Director John Pennington, it underscores important considerations.
"The time to contact local animal shelters for information on caring for pets in an emergency is before disaster strikes," said Pennington. "If you must evacuate your home, it's always best to take your pets with you, but plan ahead. Public emergency shelters often exclude pets for space and health reasons."
Sound animal disaster preparedness planning should encompass: one week's emergency rations and water; identification tags, leg bands or tattoos; pet first aid kits; and current photos of your animals, filed with your important papers. If you use a 'pet sitter' while on vacation, discuss disaster plans and evacuation sites, and if your regular veterinarian does not have a disaster plan, locate one who does.
EARS' Animal Disaster Preparedness Day observances include distribution of free disaster preparedness information kits to animal caregivers, local shelters and humane societies. Kits include "shopping lists" for animal disaster supplies, disaster plan posters, brochures and handouts, and a starter set of identification collars. For a free kit for your family (or to share with your local animal shelter) e-mail info@uan.org or write: UAN, P.O. Box 188890, Sacramento, CA 95818.
Pet Disaster planning tips are also available on the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/library/petsf.shtm and FEMA FOR KIDS site: www.fema.gov/kids/petkit.htm.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Monday, 02-May-2005 16:00:04