Disaster Plan
Should severe weather or a disaster strike in Forsyth County, the Forsyth County
Animal Response Plan will be implemented. That plan, which calls for the
activation of a number of pet-friendly and emergency animal shelters, was
developed by Animal Control Director Barbara Cassidy and a citizen task force.
The Forsyth County Animal Response Plan, which is incorporated in the
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Emergency Operations Plan for Multi-Hazards, has
been recognized by the North Carolina State Animal Response Team as the top
animal response plan in North Carolina.
A county animal-response team (CART) is responsible for implementing the animal
response plan. This team consists of citizen volunteers and veterinarians
committed to helping animals in case of disaster by working at temporary pet
shelters.
If you live in Forsyth County and would like to join the Disaster Animal Response Team,
please complete the DART registration form. Veterinarians
willing to assist during a disaster as members of a Veterinary Disaster Animal
Response Team (V-DART) should complete the V-DART registration form.
If you can't work at a temporary shelter but would still like to help animals,
Forsyth County Animal Control maintains a list of pre-approved foster care
providers. If you would like to provide a foster home for an animal that is a
disaster victim, please complete the foster home registration form, and a staff member will contact you. We will make an
appointment to visit you to discuss foster care requirements.
Our ability to help animals in a disaster will depend on the help of caring
citizens and professional volunteers. Thank you for helping us to save animals
lives.
Hurricanes, floods, train derailments, explosions and other disasters are
devastating not only to us but also to our pets and livestock, who are
frequently left helpless when disaster strikes.
Plan Ahead
By planning ahead you can save the lives of your animals. Here are some
important tips to remember:
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Develop an evacuation plan that includes your animals. Review it and update it
regularly. Learn the location of pet-friendly shelters and hotels and have a
designated destination if you have to leave home. Contact friends or relatives
in advance to see if you and your pets would be welcome during an emergency.
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Check on area boarding kennels and veterinary hospitals. Find out if they have
evacuation plans in event of a disaster.
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Be prepared to evacuate when advised by local government authorities. Have all
supplies, kits, transportation and evacuation locations ahead of time. If you
are told to evacuate, do not leave companion animals home alone. If the
situation is bad enough for you to leave, then your animals should not be left
behind.
Prepare a pet emergency supply kit for your animals. The kit should include:
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Current photos of your animal for identification, including close ups of any
special identifying markings.
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Proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations (be sure to keep all
vaccinations current on your pets).
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Supply of any medications your pet may be taking. It's also a good idea to have
a prescription for any medications your pets need in case you run out.
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Water bowls and bottled water for three days per animal.
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Food bowls and food for three days per animal.
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Spray disinfectant, paper towels and plastic trash bags to handle animal waste
properly.
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Appropriate sized pet carrier or crate for each animal. Be sure to familiarize
your animal with the crate before a disaster. It will be a safe haven if you do
evacuate.
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Towels, blankets, toys, brushes and combs.
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Old newspapers.
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Cat litter and disposable litter pans.
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Flashlight and radio with extra batteries for each.
For large animals, pack the following supplies:
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Halters, leads, tape, rope
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ID bands
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Fly spray
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Medical supplies, including bandages
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Three days' supply of food and water for each animal
If you decide to stay at home, please keep the following in mind:
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Bring companion animals indoors. Do not leave domestic pets outside or tied up.
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Prepare an area in the house where it's quiet and away from the windows.
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Pets will be most comfortable in carriers or crates.
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Let haltered livestock roam at large in fenced (not barbed wire) areas away
from possible flying debris (tins roofs can be deadly). Do not leave livestock
in the barn in case it collapses. Leaving a halter on the animal will
facilitate capture if they do break loose.
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