Fact: The number one reason people refuse to evacuate in an emergency is that they don’t want to leave their pets behind.
Now, thanks to the hard work and dedication of a group of volunteers, led by Sharon Cornett of the Richmond Animal League, central Virginia has its own CART – a Community Animal Response Team.
The foresight and planning of the CCART management team will provide an extra measure of comfort to animal owners in our area and beyond.
The CCART (Chesterfield Community Animal Response Team) will aid government emergency management teams to insure that people have a place to bring their pets in times of crisis. From pre-storm drop off, to post-disaster rescue & recovery, to reunification, the CCART will act to help animals in need as well as encouraging people to consider their own safety by providing emergency shelter for their animals.
CCART volunteers participated in a 2 1/2 day training this weekend to prepare them to respond in a disaster situation. Volunteers completed federally-mandated FEMA courses which will allow them to respond to future crisis events, as well earning Animal CPR and First Aid certifications. They were trained in emergency field triage and participated in exercises to plan, design, and set up a disaster shelter in minutes.
Wendy Hermes of Hermes Alpacas gave the group a crash course in caring for alpacas and other camelids, and Melissa Messick of Phoenix Landing taught volunteers how to care for exotic birds in a shelter situation.
The training was provided by Noah’s Wish, an organization which is dedicated to rescuing and sheltering animals in times of crisis. Noah’s Wish volunteers have provided care to animals in a wide range of disaster situations – from Hurricane Katrina, to wild fires and tornadoes. The experience and training they provided to the CCART volunteers will prove invaluable to the citizens of central Virginia in the aftermath of a disaster.
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Hey, this was great about our classes. You did a nice job.