|
CIVIL
DEFENCE -
DISASTERS AND YOUR ANIMALS |
Everyone knows disaster can strike at any time either with or without warning!
As a result of a disaster
- You may have to leave your home or even your
district.
- Depending on the nature of the disaster, you may
not be able to find your pets or be able to take them with you in the event of
an evacuation.
- The first concern of Civil Defence workers is
human life. They may be unable to assist your pets.
- It is possible you may be unable to return to
your home for many days.
How can you
best help your animals
Be prepared at all times-you never know when a
disaster will strike. There are three things you can do to help your domestic
pets now, just in case.
- Have a permanent disc on your pet's collar with
your name, phone number and, if possible, address.
- Always have a carry-box with a blanket or towel
ready. Identify the box with your name, address and phone number. The box is
always useful for emergency trips to the vet!
- Keep an emergency supply of tinned food.
In the event
of immediate evacuation
- Go immediately to your street assembly point.
Once there, tell the authorities what animals you have left behind and where you
have left them.
- Do not return to your home. (Appointed Wardens
and SPCA personnel will be on hand to visit your home for you.)
- You will eventually be moved to another
location, and so will your pets, but possibly to a different safe area. Do not
attempt to locate them. You will eventually be reunited.
- Wherever possible in an evacuation,
consideration will be given to having pets accompany their owners. However this
may not always be possible.
- However much you care for your animals, human
life is more important.
Where there is
time
- Sometimes you will have advance warning of an
emergency - use this time to ensure that your pet has some form of
identification attached.
- If you have the time feed your pets before
leaving. In cases of flooding, your pets or caged birds can be placed in the
roof space of your home with as much food and water left for them as
practicable.
- If you are to be evacuated and you are unable to
take your animals with you, or if you have been ordered to
- leave your pets behind, you should unchain goats
and release penned animals, including chickens. If you have stock, open internal
farm gates but do not allow access to roads.
- When you are able to, contact your local SPCA.
Tell them where your animals are and how they can be identified.
- SPCA personnel will assist all animals. If
possible an animal welfare member will be at the designated human meeting points
to provide help.
- Remember that your animal may be more adaptable
and self sufficient than you think.
Where you are
able to stay home
Storm
Stay indoors with your pets. Keep
away from windows and stay near the centre of the house if possible. Tether
large animals.
Earthquake
If you and your pets are outside,
keep clear of buildings, tall structures and power lines. If you are inside,
remember human life must take precedence. Avoid windows, heavy furniture and
fittings. Take cover under a solid table or internal doorway. Don't look for
your pets until shaking ceases. After a quake, try to conserve the water stored
in your cylinder or cistern. Keep your pets away from any chemical spillage.
Volcanic Eruption
During an eruption take your pets
inside - do not go outside. Save water in your bath, basin, containers or
cylinders.
Tsunami
if you live near the coast, take your
pets with you to the nearest high ground after turning off power and gas.
Flooding
if it is safe to do so, take your
pets with you to the nearest high ground, otherwise await rescue inside.
|
|
