WASHINGTON (May 31, 2006) - As hurricane season officially starts tomorrow, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is hosting the National Conference on Animals in Disaster to help communities in hurricane-prone areas prevent a recurrence of last year, when thousands of animals were left stranded after Hurricane Katrina.
The conference will be held from May 31 - June 3 at the Hilton Crystal City in Arlington, Va. The National Conference on Animals in Disaster will provide a forum for discussion on topics such as:
- improving evacuation, rescue and sheltering policies
- working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies
- disaster assessment of damage and needs
- establishing field rescue operations
- veterinary medical issues
- international, federal, state and local level planning and response
- avian influenza and pandemic preparedness
Conference speakers include officials representing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as representatives from state and local agencies from across the country.
Now is the time to have a plan in place-and to include your pets, according to HSUS President and CEO Wayne Pacelle, who will deliver opening remarks.
"You should develop a plan before disaster strikes," said Pacelle. "Decide now to take your pet with you, determine where you can go with your pet, and have supplies available. If you make decisions now you can focus on implementing your plan if evacuation orders are issued."
The HSUS urges residents to prepare in advance for their pets with supplies and a plan.
Pet emergency supply kits for dogs should include:
- A three-day supply of food and drinking water
- Bowls for food and water
- Plastic bags for waste disposal
- Current photos and physical descriptions, including details on markings
- A collar and ID tag
- Medications, vaccination records, license and first aid supplies
- Leashes, harnesses and a sturdy carrier large enough for your dog to comfortably sleep in.
Pet emergency supply kits for cats should include:
- A three-day supply of food and drinking water, as well as bowls, cat litter and a container to be used as a litter box
- Current photos and physical descriptions
- Cats should wear a collar and ID tag
- Medications, vaccination records, license and first aid supplies
- Sturdy carrier to transport cats safely as well as blankets or towels for bedding and warmth
- Carriers should be large enough to comfortably house your cat for several days and to allow for separate areas for elimination (litter in a small litter box) and feeding
Many evacuation shelters do not accept pets. "No Pet" restrictions at hotels and motels may be lifted in an emergency, but it's wise to check in advance. Friends or family members living outside the area may be able to help with sheltering pets.
The HSUS is also working to include pets in disaster planning and response activities. The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act on May 15, and action on a Senate companion bill is expected soon. The legislation would require local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include pets and service animals in their evacuation plans. Local and state authorities must submit these plans in order to qualify for grants from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
For more information on the National Conference on Animals in Disaster, visit www.hsus.org/NCAD06.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The non-profit organization is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research, equine protection and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy, and field work. The group is based in Washington and has numerous field representatives across the country. On the web at www.hsus.org.
