Reflecting on Hurricane Katrina: Two Decades of Animal Rescue and Disaster Preparedness
Hurricane Katrina underscored the pressing need for animal welfare to be included in disaster response planning. Kitty Block, the President and CEO of Humane World for Animals, emphasizes that the well-being of people often directly correlates with the welfare of their animals. She states, “We’ve consistently found that successfully reuniting pets with their owners post-disaster or equipping families with tools to safeguard their pets greatly alleviates the stress experienced by disaster survivors.”
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the passage of the PETS Act was a major milestone for animal advocacy, promoting awareness and action to include pet welfare in disaster response strategies. However, vital as it is, it remains critical for individuals to develop their disaster preparedness plans that incorporate their pets and any animals in their care.
1. Craft a Comprehensive Plan: Ensure your disaster plan includes provisions for your pets. Identify nearby evacuation locations that welcome animals, and establish a checklist for safe places where your pets can stay. Assign a trusted person, like a neighbor or family member, with access to your home to assist your pets in case of an emergency.
2. Act on Safety First: Always consider your animals when evacuating. If you believe it is unsafe for you, it is equally unsafe for your pets. Do not leave your pets behind; evacuate with them whenever possible.
3. Prepare a Pet Kit: Assemble an emergency preparedness kit that includes essential items for your pets, such as food, medications, and vaccination records. Include visible ID tags and ensure to have crates or leashes on hand for safe transport.
4. Make Arrangements for Large Animals: For those with large animals, it is crucial to formulate a specific evacuation strategy to manage them safely during emergencies.
Block warned, “Natural disasters, whether they are floods, wildfires, or earthquakes, indiscriminately affect all creatures—humans, pets, wildlife, and livestock alike. Understanding this interconnection is vital for fostering resilience within our communities.”
For further insights on how to protect your animals during a disaster, visit humaneeworld.org/prepare.
The Humane World for Animals is committed to addressing the root causes of animal cruelty and offers assistance in crisis situations. With millions of advocates and activities spanning over fifty countries, the organization's goal is to advocate for the humane treatment of animals while enhancing public awareness regarding animal welfare. As the leading voice in animal protection, it strives to create a more humane world for all.
Media Contact:
Kirsten Peek
Phone: 202-744-3875
Email: [email protected]
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the passage of the PETS Act was a major milestone for animal advocacy, promoting awareness and action to include pet welfare in disaster response strategies. However, vital as it is, it remains critical for individuals to develop their disaster preparedness plans that incorporate their pets and any animals in their care.
Effective Disaster Preparedness Tips
1. Craft a Comprehensive Plan: Ensure your disaster plan includes provisions for your pets. Identify nearby evacuation locations that welcome animals, and establish a checklist for safe places where your pets can stay. Assign a trusted person, like a neighbor or family member, with access to your home to assist your pets in case of an emergency.
2. Act on Safety First: Always consider your animals when evacuating. If you believe it is unsafe for you, it is equally unsafe for your pets. Do not leave your pets behind; evacuate with them whenever possible.
3. Prepare a Pet Kit: Assemble an emergency preparedness kit that includes essential items for your pets, such as food, medications, and vaccination records. Include visible ID tags and ensure to have crates or leashes on hand for safe transport.
4. Make Arrangements for Large Animals: For those with large animals, it is crucial to formulate a specific evacuation strategy to manage them safely during emergencies.
Block warned, “Natural disasters, whether they are floods, wildfires, or earthquakes, indiscriminately affect all creatures—humans, pets, wildlife, and livestock alike. Understanding this interconnection is vital for fostering resilience within our communities.”
For further insights on how to protect your animals during a disaster, visit humaneeworld.org/prepare.
About Humane World for Animals
The Humane World for Animals is committed to addressing the root causes of animal cruelty and offers assistance in crisis situations. With millions of advocates and activities spanning over fifty countries, the organization's goal is to advocate for the humane treatment of animals while enhancing public awareness regarding animal welfare. As the leading voice in animal protection, it strives to create a more humane world for all.
Media Contact:
Kirsten Peek
Phone: 202-744-3875
Email: [email protected]
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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