NEW YORK, June 22, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- As wildfires rage in Arizona, Colorado and other states across the West, Noah's Wish, the organization that rescues, shelters and cares for animals during disasters is issuing an alert to pet owners, farmers and ranchers to take steps before a catastrophic situation to reduce the chances of loss, injury or death. By assembling a disaster kit and putting an evacuation strategy into place, animal owners go a long way in ensuring the safe transfer of their animals. Noah's Wish is on alert and standing by to assist individuals, communities and animal shelters in crafting a disaster plan and can be reached by visiting www.noahswish.org or by calling the organization's home office at 916-939-9474.
"Wildfires are wildly unpredictable and burn very, very fast," said Terri Crisp, founder and president of Noah's Wish. "People need to know how to put together a disaster strategy specific to wildfires and the kinds of animals they have in their care. Noah's Wish can help."
The following are a few of the many important steps to be taken to protect your animals in the event of a wildfire:
For companion animals:
Make a disaster kit for each pet. Contents should include:
-- Extra collars, tags, harnesses and leashes
-- Muzzle
-- Pet food
-- Familiar toys and blankets
-- Manual can opener
-- Supply of stored drinking water
-- Food, water and bowls
-- Paper towel, plastic bags and spray disinfectant for animal
waste clean up
-- Copies of pet's medical and vaccination records
-- Extra medication
-- Recent photo of pet
-- Crate
-- First aid kit, including bandaging materials, antiseptic
ointment and latex gloves
For horses and farm animals:
-- Clear vegetation, including dead brush, from around your house
or barn to serve as a fire break
-- Make arrangements for a place to temporary relocate animals
-- Make sure trailer is in good condition and teach your horse how
to load into it
-- Purchase rope or leather halters for horses and farm animals
because nylon halters can melt when they heat up in a fire
Noah's Wish recognizes the importance of disaster education and preparedness for individuals and organizations as a vital adjunct to its direct disaster response services.
The organization, augmented and supported by a growing base of over 1,000 committed volunteers, rescued close to 2,000 animals during Katrina.
Terri Crisp has been devoted to animal disaster preparedness, education and response since 1983. A recognized expert in the field of managing animals in disasters, Terri has written two acclaimed books on the subject, Out of Harm's Way and Emergency Animal Rescue Stories. She also helped co-write an animal disaster training course for FEMA.
TERRI CRISP IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS. CONTACT 347-302-3983.
ABOUT NOAH'S WISH:
Noah's Wish is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the rescue and sheltering of animals in disasters. Terri Crisp, the nation's leading expert in animal disaster preparedness, founded the organization in 2002; she has more than 20 years experience in disaster relief work. The group is based in El Dorado Hills, CA, with field staff around the country, including 35 regional volunteer coordinators and over 1,000 volunteers trained to mobilize and respond to disasters. Noah's Wish P.O. Box 4288 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (916) 939-9474 For more information, visit www.noahswish.org.