NEW YORK, March 16, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Noah's Wish will be in Baltimore, Maryland to recruit and train volunteers for their National Animal Disaster Response Team on March 17, 18 and 19, 2006. The non-profit organization that works exclusively to rescue and shelter animals in disasters will conduct a three-day training program which is a requirement for volunteers who want to participate in animal rescue and shelter during disasters. Noah's Wish relies on this trained volunteer corps to respond when disaster strikes.
Noah's Wish responded to Hurricane Katrina and set up a temporary shelter in Slidell, Louisiana 72 hours after the storm devastated the Gulf Coast. Almost 2,000 animals were rescued and cared for in the three months following the disaster. The massive animal rescue effort was made possible by over 1,000 volunteers who responded from across the United States and Canada.
"Volunteers are the heart of Noah's Wish; without them, our work would not be possible," said Terri Crisp, Founder and President. "Our training is unique because it is the only program that simulates the disaster environment and prepares volunteers for the emotional and physical challenges of working to save animals in areas of total destruction and chaos."
Participants stay on-site for the hands-on training that includes team building and instructional classes. The agenda includes safety, procedures for processing paperwork, animal care and handling, CPR for dogs and cats, search and rescue procedures and disaster preparedness.
Wade Beane, Director of Educational Programs will lead the training, joined by Terri Crisp and at least six members of Noah's Wish. Crisp has been saving animals in disasters since 1983. Her unmatched experience has made her the expert in the field of managing animals in disasters. Terri is also the acclaimed author of Out of Harm's Way and Emergency Animal Rescue Stories. She also helped co-write an animal disaster training course for FEMA.
For individuals who are not able to attend the three-day training, Noah's Wish will hold a free two-hour public information session on Friday, March 17, 2006 from 7pm to 9pm. Participants will learn more about the organization and hear first-hand accounts of animal rescue during Katrina from Crisp and other members of the response team. In addition, lifesaving information about disaster preparedness for animals will be provided. Registration is required for the three-day training and is also required for the Friday night session. Location: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center 647 Contees Wharf Road Edgewater, MD 21037 Due to limited space, please register now and note that people will not be admitted for either the training or Friday session without pre-registration.
For more information and to register, please visit www.noahswish.org, email info@noahswish.org or call us at (916) 939-9474.
About Noah's Wish:
Noah's Wish is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is 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. 5047 Robert J. Matthews Parkway, Suite 200, El Dorado Hills, CA (916) 939-9474. For more information, visit noahswish.org.