Animal Emergency Committee

-          Dona Davey and Pam Strurz

There’s a problem and I have to leave my home in a hurry.  What do I do? 

May I take my cat with me?  Where is the emergency animal shelter in Afton?  If nobody is at home, will someone rescue my dog?  Where can I take my horses when there are floods?   Who can I call for help?  The answers to these questions and more may be found in the Afton Emergency Plan-Animal Annex developed by the Animal Emergency Committee of Afton.  A copy of the plan may be found in the town clerk’s office and on the town of Afton website (https://sites.google.com/site/aftonanimaldisasterpreparation/).

The plan was developed in response to mandates from FEMA and the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006. They require communities to establish procedures and resources to evacuate, house and care for animals, both large and small, during all types of disasters:  weather, geological and technological.  The Afton plan is activated when a state of emergency is declared and human population shelters are opened for evacuees. In Afton, the animal shelter is located in the Afton Central school bus garage.   This was strategically planned so the animal shelter would be close to the human shelter located in the Afton Central School.

In order to be better prepared to help the community in the event an emergency occurs, the Animal Emergency Committee is currently accepting donations of non-perishable supplies such as crates, feeding bowls, bedding and cleaning products as well as monetary donations.    Other fund raising efforts include raffles of quilts and pillows and applying for grant monies. Committee projects include Evac-Pacs, available at the town clerk’s office, to assist owners in preparing for evacuation with their pets or preparation for care at home, and educating the public about the need for emergency planning.

Animal owners are responsible for the safety of their animals. The best plan if you have to evacuate is to take your animals with you or, if you don’t evacuate, to stockpile enough food, water and medications for yourself and your pet for a two week period at home.   Work with friends and neighbors to have a plan for evacuating your animals if you are not home.  Listen to local radio stations for emergency information, or call the town office, town supervisor or police for updates on town emergency plans.

     BE PREPARED!

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING

Care of shelter animals

Clerical help in shelter

Evacuation of animals

Fund raising

Public information projects

Call Dona Davey to join -

607-639-2409