When animals are home alone and disaster strikes, Crisp recommends giving trusted neighbors permission to enter. If they aren’t able to temporarily care for the animals, at least they can help get them to safer ground.
Crisp described several ways for people to become prepared to take care of their animals during disasters. EARS conducts disaster preparedness training workshops across-the-country and the 2001 schedule can be found on their web site. Once an individual completes the workshop, he/she is encouraged to share what they’ve learned with their extended family, neighbors, friends, and colleagues. Many of the 4,000 EARS volunteers became actively-involved in rescues after having completed the one-day workshop.
Another way to prepare is to complete the free, independent home study course on Animals in Disasters, which takes 10 to 12 hours on average to complete. It can be downloaded from: http://www.fema.gov/EMI/IShome.htm or is available by writing Federal Emergency Management Agency, Independent Study Office, EMI, 16825 South Seton Ave., Emmitsburg, MD 21727.
The EARS web site has Disaster Preparedness Shopping Lists for cats, dogs, birds and horses. For example, the cats’ shopping list includes a two-week supply of food; a two-week supply of water; sanitation supplies (litter box and scoop); cleaning supplies; collar and tag, plus a temporary tag that indicates the caregiver’s current whereabouts; a collapsible wire cage; first aid book and kit; two-week supply of medications (also inquire as to whether your personal veterinarian has a disaster plan, and/or locate a back-up veterinarian); copy of medical records; and photograph, including one of both you and your cat(s) to show proof of ownership.
Preparedness Day
On Saturday, May 19, 2001, EARS will conduct its third annual Animal Disaster Preparedness Day to encourage people to be ready to care for their animals during disasters.
Crisp also has reached countless people through her two books, Out of Harm’s Way (Pocket Books, 1997) and Emergency Animal Rescue Stories (Prima Publishing, 2000). She said the purpose of the books is to bring planning and providing for animals to the forefront, rather than an afterthought.
“Not all the stories are warm and fuzzy. Not all animals survive. But some who were lost could have been prevented with a disaster plan and proper preparedness,” Crisp said.
A portion of the proceeds of the books’ sales supports EARS, which is one of the programs of the United Animal Nations, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. According to Crisp, no rescued animal is ever denied medical treatment, regardless of the severity of their condition. EARS relies on both monetary and in kind contributions.
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