If there is a disaster, how are you going to save
your companion animals? In recent years
the media has been filled with disasters - terrorism,
hurricanes, floods and mud slides, fires, tornadoes,
earthquakes, tsunamis, and even threats of biological
and nuclear warfare. My goal is to help
you to not be consumed by fear during a disaster,
but be confident that you have considered the
worst and are prepared. Advance planning
is essential - it could save your companion animal’s
life and make yours easier during an emergency.
The most important thing to remember
during an emergency is to bring your companion
animals with you - do
not leave them to fend for themselves; do
not tie them up in the back yard
or lock them in a stall. Remember, they
are counting on you for their support and survival!
Shut, but do not lock, doors and gates to your
home (emergency crews or volunteers may need to
enter). Never believe that a friend, relative
or employee will come to your premises and save
your animals; emergency crews cannot and
will not allow people who can’t show a drivers’ license
with an address within the distressed area to enter
- regardless of the reason. (They
can request that a certified disaster volunteer
rescue the animals if they can be spared.)
After the disaster, your home may not look or
smell the same to your companion animals; confine
them until you are sure they have adapted. Check
fences and pastures for damage, debris, downed
power lines, wildlife or snakes that could injure
your animals.
Emergency
Animal Rescue Service (EARS), the only organization
that recruits and trains volunteers on a national level
to help animals during disasters.
