|
Written by Administrator
|
|
Friday, 23 May 2008 09:19 |
|
From the Camp Verde Bugle and Verde Valley Independent. This is really super!! Good job! N www.unitedanimalfriends.org
No More Homeless Pets, Yavapai County, AZ
Animal disaster training
By Cindy Sessoms
Verde Valley Humane Society
Camp Verde Bugle - Thursday, May 01, 2008 When thinking of disasters, most of us normally feel that it won't happen to us. Even though we see it all around us, we continue to believe that it's only going to happen to others.
That thinking changed quickly for me when flooding came toward our area at the end of winter.
Even though I knew that Black Canyon City was being evacuated, I knew that it really wasn't close to us.
The evening that reality sunk in for me the rain was fiercely pounding outside. Lightening was flashing fast and furious while the thunder shook the windows in the house. Even with the fireplace going, the feeling of coziness was absent.
The storm was horrendous and my poor dogs were petrified. I have to admit that my son and I weren't feeling too good about the conditions either.
Mom had always said "turn off the television during storms" but how else could I watch the news? Once again, you always think bad things won't happen at your house.
As I watched TV the weatherman kept talking about the evacuations that might happen in our area due to due to possible flooding in the Verde Valley .
As the evening progressed and the storm subsided, it seemed as if our area was going to be safe.
Events happening down in Black Canyon City were looking pretty bleak. People and animals were being evacuated. My thoughts that we wouldn't be evacuated; Black Canyon City is miles from us.
Last year when many of us joined Animal Disaster Services we were warned that anything can happen at any time of the year. We were also told that we could be called to help out in any area in Yavapai County .
Disasters aren't particular when it comes to when they happen. Summer, fall, winter and spring they can all spell disaster. Each season has its own type of disasters.
Since our team formed in the Verde Valley , we have been very fortunate that a disaster has never gotten close enough to deploy our squad.
As I got ready for bed the night of the storm the phone rang. It was really too late for someone wanting to just chat, but too early for one of those dreaded "middle of the night emergencies" that scare you to death.
Reluctantly I checked caller ID. I always pray that there isn't a shelter emergency, which it wasn't. The strange thing was that it wasn't a number I recognized either.
On the line was an ADS team member notifying everyone that we were on call for a flooding disaster. It wasn't an official alert for deployment, just a "be prepared" type of thing.
This was the real test about being ready in case of an emergency. As I began to get a plan of action I realized that this emergency just wasn't going to be convenient.
The weather had changed and it was back to raining hard with the wind blowing fiercely. Maybe this time we would be needed, so how prepared was I?
Prepared? All I could think was WOW. I am going to be cold, wet, muddy and not seeing very well.
Reality really sunk in and I realized that dress boots with a high heel, a leather jacket and a flashlight with dead batteries just weren't going to work in an emergency.
What was I thinking when I got everyone else ready? My home was prepared for evacuation, my pets were prepared and my son was also. The only thing lacking was self preparation.
Frantically I searched for my son's team jacket and his gloves. His boots being a size 12 just weren't going to work for my size 6 foot.
Where in the world was his raincoat that I bought him for his Washington , D.C. trip? He was sleeping soundly, so I was basically on my own at that moment.
What in the world ever makes most of us think that an emergency is going happen at the best possible time?
Ideally there will be sunshine, not too warm outside, late morning and the emergency won't last too long? Oh please! Maybe with that idealistic thinking we could grab a latte on the way and maybe even a breakfast roll?
Later when I spoke with others on the team, many others realized that they weren't prepared properly either. This made us all do a reality check. Ask me if all of us are prepared now?
After being put on call for a disaster, you look at things much differently. You need to be prepared and it's important that you do it now, not when a crisis hits.
Have you taken the time to sit down with your family members to work out a family and pet evacuation plan of our own? If not, that is your first agenda item.
Sit down with all of your family members and assign their different duties. A "family meeting" is mandatory for a plan to be worked out.
Make a check list that is placed in a central location that can be easily followed in an emergency.
In times of emergencies it is often hard to think with a clear head. Let the check list ease your frustration during difficult times.
What about all of our pets? Our pets are our family also and a plan for removal has to be established.
Here are some tips that I have gathered from different sources. Please read them carefully and make a check list for your pets as you prepare your home for evacuation.
Identify your pets. Make sure your "best friends" have an ID on with your name, address, phone number and an alternate contact.
Having a microchip placed in your pet is also advised. This device is implanted under the skin and it can't come off and leave your furry friend without identification. Take pictures of them with you just in case they get separated from the family. Identification will be easier if you can show someone what your animal really looks like.
Even if your pets don't use carriers, it is advisable to have them on hand for an emergency. These carriers should be easy accessible in the event of an emergency.
I would advise that all of your evacuation items be kept in the same area. Make sure that you have leashes with collars in an area that even your emergency contact knows about.
Since you may not be home when a disaster occurs, make sure that you go over your evacuation plans with your alternate contact person.
At least two other contacts should be advised of the arrangements that you have made. What if you weren't home?
These people also need to know your animals. The last thing needed in a disaster is for strangers to try to deal with frightened pets in an emergency. Once again this is where a crate will come in handy. It will provide an area of comfort for your pet.
Often friends and neighbors plan to help each other and have the same plan of escape. Don't wait too long if a disaster is near. Officials often forbid the reentering of a home once an evacuation is ordered.
Take your pet's medical info with you. Place all of the pertinent information for your family and pets in an easy accessible place.
In the event that your animal needs care, the emergency vet may need vital information from your own vet. If your "best friend" or even if you are on medication, an extra supply should be packed also.
You should have these emergency supplies packed and on hand at all times. In a disaster, there is no time to search for what you need. Time is of the essence in a disaster.
Make sure you have three days of food and water ready to go out the door when you do. Rotate the stock to keep it fresh.
Pack some cleaning supplies that you may need to keep your pet's area clean. If you have a cat, along with the food you will need a two-week supply of kitty litter and a fresh litter pan.
Don't forget plastic bags for your waste and pet garbage. Place these items, plus the items listed above in an area in your garage or laundry room.
Last but not least, pack for yourself. It's advised that you take three days worth of grooming items, clothes, medication and anything else you may need for yourself.
Nancy Vargo from Animal Disaster Services says: "Don't Leave Home Without Them. Many residents are under the belief that emergency personnel will evacuate animals left behind. This is not true and it many not be possible in a natural disaster for anyone to return to homes in threatened areas."
More of what Nancy states is that "ADS creates and maintains a shelter for animals whenever there is an evacuation in Yavapai County ." If you would like more information go to www.unitedanimalfriends.org.
Did you realize that there is ADS training being offered right here in Cottonwood ? We have a very dedicated lady that goes for the training in Prescott and brings the information right back to us.
Come join our team. There is something for everyone to do. Soothe a scared pet owner or even a pet.
Take pictures of the animals being brought in with their owners. How about filling in the paperwork or cleaning cages?
If you are interested in joining the local team, please email Laurie at
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
and she will get back with you as soon as possible.
|
Animal Disaster Training
