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| · What is DART? DART is Disaster Animal Response Team [ Back to Top ]
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| · What does DART do? In a disaster DART members may be called upon to assist with the rescue and sheltering of displaced animals in a disaster.
We may also help evacuate animals before a disaster strikes. [ Back to Top ]
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| · What is a disaster? Any event that overwhelms existing resources that are available for said event
A Disaster may be:
Natural or manmade
Occur in any season of the year
Cover a limited or wide-ranging geographical area
Fire, Flood, Ice Storm, Tornado
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· How can a disaster impact me and my community?Utilities, transportation, communication are disrupted.
Public services and medical facilities will be overwhelmed
Cascading effect: when one system is impacted, other elements are more likely to falter.
Homelessness, joblessness
Difficulty obtaining clean food and water
Loss of clothing and belongings
Risks of disease and injury to residents and emergency responders
Stress, anxiety, grief, and depression[ Back to Top ]
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· Why do we need to worry about the animals?Animals running the streets can carry diseases.
Animals that are normally not aggressive may become so due to fear and hunger.
Owners may refuse to evacuate if there is no place for their pets to go endangering their lives and the lives of others that must come in and rescue them later.
Owners will attempt to re-enter their residential areas during and after evacuation to retrieve their companion animals
Owner will live on the street, if no shelter is found for their pets. [ Back to Top ]
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· Why plan ahead?Learn from past experiences
Allow people to help themselves
Keep families ( including pets) together
Reduce damage and stress
Prevent loss of life and suffering in the future [ Back to Top ]
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· What do I need to do to have my pet ready in case of a disaster?Secure a carrier for each of your animals and familiarize them with it.
Take quality photographs of your animals and keep them with you.
Microchip your animal through your local shelter
Keep a copy of your animals’ medical records with you.
Contact out-of-area clinics, boarding kennels, and motels to check on rules and accommodations.
Prepare a disaster kit for all animals [ Back to Top ]
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· What should I have in my pet disaster kit?Dry food and water for 7 days
Food and water bowls
Leashes and ID collars
Pet First Aid Kit
Medications
Medical records and photos
Pooper scooper, baggies and cat litter
Familiar blanket/pad
Muzzle
Cleaning supplies for accidents
Emergency release form [ Back to Top ]
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· What should I include in my Disaster Plan?Designate a family member to be in charge of each animal. Have them practice a drill.
Formulate a buddy system with a neighbor or friend who can check and care of your animals if you are out of the area and cannot return. Give them written permission forms to treat your animal.
Make sure all collars fit the animal. Consider breakaway collars for cats. [ Back to Top ]
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· What is required to be a DART member?Willingness to help in a disaster
Attend monthly meetings
Completion of training
Attendance at drills [ Back to Top ]
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