ANSC 250 1st Edition Lecture 16 Outline of Last Lecture I Definitions II Living conditions III Laws and regulations IV How to avoid puppy mills Outline of Current Lecture I Overview of animals in disasters II Why would people leave their pets III Documentary IV Being prepared for animals in disaster situations Current Lecture I Overview of Animals in Disasters a A disaster is any event that overwhelms an area and its existing resources that are needed to respond to that event b What are the two main types of disaster situations i MAN MADE and NATURAL hurricane earthquake fires tornado hazardous materials nuclear emergency etc b What are the impacts that disasters have on humans and other animals i Loss of familiar family home other pets ii Death injury shock illness iii Isolation iv Disorientation a History i Hurricane Andrew 1992 people told to leave pets behind but were not reunited ii Weyauwega Train Wreck 1996 hazardous materials people left pets risked own safety to return for them a Why is it important to consider animals in disaster situations i People may not evacuate or will delay it ii Animals can complicate an emergency situation disease outbreaks rabies public safety people returning for their pets a People would choose to stay behind with their pets and refuse evacuation because they feel that their pets are members of the family These notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor s lecture GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes not as a substitute b II II 44 of pet owners delayed evacuation or did not evacuate for Hurricane Katrina because they were unwilling to leave their pets 63 of US households have pets 70 dog and 62 cat owners would risk their lives for their pets 28 wouldn t leave nuclear attack for their pets Why would people leave their pets a Why did people leave their pets behind i Socioeconomic issues ii Emergency shelters did not accept pets iii Left too late iv Hotels often do not take pets v Government officials refused to help owners with their pets vi Pet owners and government were not prepared for pets in emergencies b Which law was passed after Hurricane Katrina to address animals in disaster situations i PETS Act i This law requires states seeking FEMA aid Federal Emergency Management Agency to accommodate pets and service animals in evacuation plans Slowly see positive effect of this legislation ii Organizations in emergencies groups work together or take turns helping in disasters 1 HSUS 2 ASPCA 3 AHA 4 Other organizations will help as well Documentary in Class a Which national organization discussed earlier in the course is shown throughout this documentary HINT Just look at their shirts if you re not sure and skip to the next question until you are sure i Louisiana SPCA ASPCA b What was the distressing news rescuers received from their leaders approximately 2 weeks after Katrina hit Why was this announcement made i Rescues are on hold shelter is overpopulated so they could only treat major cases b Why are face masks and HAZMAT suits difficult to use during animal rescues i They scare the animals b How many animals were estimated to have been left in the city of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina i 250 000 pets b What may be the abandoned animals greatest danger after Hurricane Katrina i Filthy flood water nothing else to drink dehydration b True or False Pets have always been a part of disaster evacuation plans even before Hurricane Katrina i False b II What situation caused officials to decide to seal off the city This decisions brought about Operation Puppy Love in a last ditch attempt to rescue animals from the city i Another hurricane was approaching Hurricane Rita b Was Bill able to retrieve ConCat from his home after sneaking back into the city before Rita hit i Yes b What kept the rescuer Tanya from going in to look at the damage done to her home i The lock didn t work plus her neighborhood dogs were still alive so she ended up rescuing them instead and ran out of time b When the next hurricane approached what was the change seen in officials when communicating with evacuating pet owners i Told everyone to take their animals with them when evacuating Being Prepared a What is the 1 rule concerning animals in disaster situations i If it s not safe for you it s not safe for your pets b Do emergency shelters generally allow you to bring your pets i No may don t accept pets b Be sure to create an emergency kit for each of your pets and yourself food water flashlights medications blankets cleaning supplies etc arrange a safe place ahead of time list of boarding facilities call local animal shelter to know their plan know local hotels that accept pets contact family members you can stay with c Do all disasters require you to evacuate your home i No not all require you to leave your home and require you to stay insideblizzard etc b Some other tips to prepare your pets for a disaster situation i Bring animals indoors if needed ii Keep emergency kits and leashes close to the door iii Make sure all pets have current identification iv Call ahead of time to make arrangements for your pets