Rescue
Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team is a Key Part of
Hurricane Gustav Evacuation and Recovery Efforts
Disaster Preparation Yields Excellent Result for Pets in New Orleans |
Kyle Held, a member of the Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team, cares for a 9 ft. Burmese Python owned by a New Orleans police officer. Held was one of the few animal care professionals in New Orleans experienced in the care and handling of exotic pets such as snakes.
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Patience Scanlon, a member of the Humane Society of Missouri Disaster Response Team, assures a hurricane evacuee that her dog will be well cared for during the hurricane and safely returned to her when people and pets are allowed to return home. |
At the request of the Louisiana SPCA, an eight-member team from the Humane Society of Missouri's Disaster Response Unit has been in the New Orleans area since August 29 aiding in the evacuation and care of pets in the wake of Hurricane Gustav. Team members checked in and loaded thousands of pets of evacuees onto air conditioned trailers to be taken to temporary shelters north of New Orleans. Personal pets of many of the first responders -- police, emergency medical workers, etc. -- also were evacuated and subsequently cared for by the Humane Society of Missouri team in a temporary shelter in Baton Rouge. The team returned to New Orleans today to perform animal rescues in hardest hits areas as directed by Louisiana Emergency Management authorities.
Debbie Hill, vice president of Operations for the Humane Society of Missouri and a member of the Disaster Response Team, reports that diligent preparations on the part of the Louisiana SPCA and other emergency response officials led to a good outcome for pets and people following this storm. “Although this storm was not as severe as Hurricane Katrina,” Hill said, “the damage is significant throughout New Orleans. Because people heeded evacuation orders for themselves and their pets and animal welfare organizations were well-prepared, no lives were lost and people and pets are being reunited.”
September is National Disaster Preparedness Month and all Missouri residents are urged to make disaster preparations now. The Humane Society of Missouri recommends two easy first steps:
Microchip your pet for easy identification in any situation. The Humane Society of Missouri Veterinary Medical Centers can provide this service. Call today for an appointment.
When you evacuate, plan to take your pet with you. Click here for a list of evacuation pet supplies. |
The Humane Society of Missouri has been designated by the State of Missouri as the lead animal welfare agency to coordinate disaster response efforts for Missouri disasters. HSMO also has initiated reciprocal agreements with animal welfare organizations throughout the United States to help each other in times of disaster.
To begin your family’s disaster preparations visit our website and the National Preparedness Month website.
Help us continue our disaster response activities by donating now. Together, we can ensure our safety and that of our pets in times of disaster.
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