NEW YORK, May 16, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- As New England continues to be battered by storms and rising floodwaters, Noah's Wish is urging pet owners to be prepared to take steps to ensure the safety of their companion animals.
"Don't wait until the last minute to get your family and animals to safety," said Terri Crisp, Founder and President of Noah's Wish. "Water levels can rise very quickly, closing escape routes. It is imperative to have a plan in place before a disaster strikes."
Noah's Wish offers pet owners the following guidelines to be prepared and ready to quickly respond and keep your animals safe during a flood:
-- Always make sure your pet has proper identification -- keep a
collar and ID tag that has an up-to-date phone contact number
-- Never leave your animals behind if you are forced to evacuate.
If you are absolutely unable to bring your animals with you,
leave several days of fresh food and water, ensure the animal has
an easy escape route and NEVER tie an animal up.
-- Check your horse and livestock trailers to make sure they are
in useable condition.
-- Have alternate routes planned to ensure rapid evacuation and
move animals in advance of danger.
-- Maintain vaccinations against tetanus and rabies.
-- If your car stalls while in flowing water, abandon immediately
and take animals with you.
-- If evacuating horses, do not ride them through swift moving,
deep water.
-- 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
Noah's Wish experts in animal disaster preparedness are available for media interviews. Please call 347-306-2442 or email noahswishpressoffice@yahoo.com.
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. P.O. Box 997 Placerville, CA 95667. (916) 939-9474 For more information, visit noahswish.org.