June is National Disaster Preparedness Month for Animals, and Pawprints and Purrs, Inc joins HSUS (The Humane Society of the United States) in attempting to educate pet and animal guardians about the need for being prepared for emergency situations. Virtually every location on earth is vulnerable to catastrophy. None of us are immune, whether it be fire, flood, earthquake, hurricane, tornado or hazardous spill, and the possible resulting loss of power, phone lines, availability of supplies, even our homes.
"They are our pets. We domesticate them. We bring them into our lives and make them dependent on us for food, shelter, medical care, and love. In return, they enrich our lives in so many ways. Yet somehow, when disaster stiikes they often seem to fall between the cracks. This is not to say that human life is not more important, yet it seems as though a system ought to exist for them in times of disaster as it does for us. Often left behind in the urgency of the moment, like very small children they are at a loss to understand just why this is happening to them. Every underpinning in their life is suddenly gone. The people around which their lives revolved have vanished. Their homes as they have known them have disappeared. They are lost, alone, afraid, and often hungry, thirsty, and in pain. Somehow a system must exist for them as it does for us." Cathy Rokaw, Cat Fanciers' Almanac, December 1994
They are part of our family... It is essential that we plan ahead for our pets' safety as well as our own. While planning may seem unnecessary now, when disaster strikes all public resources and lines of communication become overburdened. Making provisions now will lessen the confusion and stress when disaster hits. These simple preparations are vital for your animals' safety and your peace of mind.
Due to lack of awareness and/or planning ahead, many owners leave their animals behind to fend for themselves.
It is unlikely those pets will survive on their own.
Take your pets with you.
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT THEM.
According to FEMA's course,
Animals in Disasters, a promotion of personal responsibility of animal owners and care providers: "Why should emergency management officials be concerned with animals in disasters? After all, they are responsible for the safety of humans, not animals. However, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 58.9 percent of all U. S. households own animals. For this reason, the care of animals in disasters is important to the care of humans."
PERFORM THESE CHECKLISTS BEFORE THEY'RE NEEDED
PREPAREDNESS KIT FOR PETS:
- Well-fitting collar/leash with current rabies, license and ID tags. The importance of ID tags with your name/address/phone number cannot be overly stressed.
- Color photo of your pet.
- Current health records and photo in zip-lock plastic bags. Boarding facilities will require proof of current distemper, rabies and possible other immunizations.
- Place a sticker on entry doors to alert fire, police, rescue workers that there are animals inside, also list pet name(s) and favorite hiding places.
- Portable pet carriers and bedding.
- Litter box and litter, pooper-scooper.
- Filled food and water containers: several days supply.
- Food/water bowls.
- Favorite toy/bones, etc.
- Special-needs medicines and supplies.
- Blankets.
- First Aid kit.
- Flea/tick spray/powder.
- Portable radio: Listen for PSAs for available boarding.
VERIFY PET-FRIENDLY FACILITIES/LODGINGS:
- Boarding kennels.
- Veterinary hospitals with boarding kennels.
- Motels/hotels.
- Friends/family.
- Emergency management.
- City halls, meeting halls.
- Emergency animal shelters may be set up at fairgrounds, in fields, etc.
Disaster Phases:
BEFORE: Gifted with heightened senses we don't have, pets can become confused, agitated and fearful even before a natural disaster strikes. Be alert for your pet acting strangely. For greater control in keeping pets from bolting in panic, secure them as soon as possible by leash or pet carrier.
DURING and AFTER: Check with local health services and animal hospitals regarding any diseases spreading as a result of the disaster, and their suggested preventative measures.
Resources: Disaster Preparedness For Your Pet
All Critters DISCLAIMER: The information presented here is based on current recommendations of knowledgeable sources. We assume no responsibility for the correctness, sufficiency or completeness of the above included information. Your unique circumstances may require other or additional preparedness measures.
Pawprints and Purrs, Inc
8-23-00 MONTANA WILDFIRES
Source:
info@uan.org
UNITED ANIMAL NATIONS
Animal Rescuers Provide Safe Haven For Dogs, Cats, Cows and Other Montana Wildfire Evacuees
HAMILTON, Montana (August 23) - Dog barks are mingled with the sounds of roosters crowing, cows mooing and goats bleating as animal evacuees continue to arrive at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton, Montana, seeking refuge from the wildfires raging in the region. The Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) has been on site at the fairgrounds for more than a week providing a safe haven for more than 300 farm and companion animals who have been evacuated due to the worst wildfires in decades. These temporary residents - brought to the fairgrounds by families who have lost their homes to the fires - include cats, dogs, rabbits, hogs, chickens, goats, calves, a bull, horses, parakeets, a wolf hybrid and two turkeys.
A nationwide network of volunteers dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals during disasters, EARS volunteers have traveled from Colorado, Washington, Canada, California and North Carolina to help the Montana wildfire victims. Their jobs at the fairgrounds range from feeding the hogs to exercising the calves and cleaning the dog kennels. Spending some extra time with frightened and anxious animals also is a top priority.
EARS is working with local veterinarians to treat the animals who arrive with injuries, such as a cat who arrived with burned paws and singed eyebrows and an older dog who has respiratory problems due to the thick veil of smoke hanging over the region. EARS also is getting help from the local 4-H clubs and Boy Scout troops, who are pitching in to care for the animals.
EARS Director Terri Crisp said one of the most important jobs for the EARS team is to head out into communities that are on alert and to urge these families to take their animals with them if they are forced to evacuate. "
Don't leave home without them is our most important message," said Crisp. A veteran of more than 45 disasters during the last 11 years,
Crisp said she has seen too many animals who have suffered and tragically died because they were left behind to fend for themselves.
EARS is the disaster rescue arm of United Animal Nations, a non-profit national animal advocacy and rescue organization headquartered in Sacramento, CA. EARS has more than 3,400 trained volunteers throughout the U.S. to help with animal disaster rescues. All disaster rescues are funded by donations. To contribute to the Montana disaster relief, donations should be earmarked for the "Montana Wildfires" and sent to EARS/UAN, P.O. Box 188890, Sacramento, CA 95818. To read daily updates about EARS in Montana, go to UAN's web site at
United Animal Nations and click on the link for the Montana wildfires.
