Food, water, clothing: These are just a few of the necessities that most people think of when thinking of emergency supplies. But for the millions of Americans in the Southeast affected by the devastating infrastructure damage caused by Hurricane Helen, the biggest challenge most likely to face in the coming months is the supply of supplies that most people think of. In other words, the company focuses on pet supplies. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says animals caught in Helen’s path may be able to emerge from the floodwaters, but they still need the public’s help.
“We expect[recovery]to be a long process,” Tim Rickey, who oversees the ASPCA disaster response team, told Rolling Stone. “We’re in the early stages right now, there are a lot of critical needs, and we’re trying to secure resources. But the needs here will continue for many months.”
Ricky is currently on the ground in North Carolina coordinating the ASPCA’s plan to deliver pet supplies, medicine, and veterinary assistance to thousands of communities devastated by the storm. When Hurricane Helen made landfall in Florida on September 26, the Category 4 hurricane caused massive flooding, power outages, and mudslides that devastated entire neighborhoods and killed more than 190 people. Those who manage to evacuate or are rescued by volunteers or public servants may have escaped immediate danger, but the added goal of keeping their pets with their families means a long and difficult road to recovery. There is. Some shelters and temporary accommodation facilities do not allow animals at all, but some families are quickly using up the supplies they can salvage from their homes. That’s where the ASPCA disaster response team steps in. The ASPCA is deploying teams to Florida, Georgia and North Carolina to set up pet supply distribution hubs to deliver pet supplies through disrupted supply chains.
Provided by ASPCA
“Food and drinking water are basic life-saving supplies, but some of the things we are distributing are for people who have lost everything but want to keep their pets by their side. items,” he says. “Pets are carrying carriers, leashes, collars, bowls, pet food and medication to help keep the animals going through this difficult time.”
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In addition to supplies for evacuated pet owners, the ASPCA is also accepting donations to help animal shelters and recovery facilities that were damaged or completely destroyed by the storm. In East Point, Florida, an ASPCA team rescued 37 cats from the Franklin County Humane Society and transported them out of harm’s way when the building began to flood.
Provided by ASPCA
According to Ricky, pets also play an important role in the emotional recovery of residents who have lost family, friends, communities and homes. “For most people, pets are part of the family,” says Ricky. “It’s even worse when you lose your pet in a disaster, or you’re separated from your pet, or you have to leave your pet with someone else when you’ve lost everything else. Basic supplies are It can make a difference to your own mental health and recovery.”
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Those who would like to help are encouraged to donate directly to their local shelter or to the ASPCA Disaster Fund. But as climate disasters continue to occur with alarming frequency across the United States, Rickey says one of the best ways to protect your family is to have a disaster plan that includes your pets.
“No matter where you live in the country, you’re at risk of some kind of natural disaster,” he says. “Do not evacuate without your animals. What is not safe for you is not safe for your pet.”
