By
Vicky Livesay
You've
seen the pictures on the news: cats stranded on rooftops
as flood waters swirl around them, confused dogs sniffing
through the remains of a house destroyed by a tornado, and
other sights just as heartbreaking. Following Hurricane
Katrina, it was reported that more than 2,000 animals had
been stranded. When disaster strikes, people are able to
help themselves and each other, but who helps the animals?
Organizations
such as the Red Cross, the National Guard, and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are there when two-legged
victims need them. But there are also other agencies that
jump into action when our animal friends need help. The
American Humane Society, Emergency Animal Rescue Service
(EARS), and the Humane Society have helped with animal relief
for many years. In addition, volunteers from vet schools
often travel to disaster zones to offer their help.
What
kinds of help do these agencies provide? When a disaster
strikes, they go into these areas with trained volunteers
who do whatever is necessary to aid the animals. Using special
equipment, volunteers go out looking for pets that need
to be rescued. When the animals are safe from harm, they
are given food, fresh water, and shelter. If any creature
is sick or hurt, medical care is provided.
But
above all, the volunteers give love and affection to scared
animals and care for them until their families return.
Prepare
yourself and your pet for any emergency. The most important
thing is to have a plan. Here are some tips so you'll be
ready:
