Supervisor Fiona Ma: Pet Factor During a Disaster

Although the protection of human life is the highest priority in emergency disaster response, recent disasters and follow-up research show that proper preparation and effective coordination of animal issues enhances the ability of emergency personnel to protect both human and animal health and safety. It is much more efficient, effective and inexpensive to develop plans to address animal issues prior to an incident rather than during or after.

The first thing the city's Department of Animal Care and Control (ACC) suggests pet owners do is to put together a "disaster kit" for your animal(s). This includes food, water, litter and medication for 7 days, an air carrier type crate for dogs and cats with bedding and toys, bowls, collars and leashes, vaccination records and photographs of your pets, in case you get separated.

You should also set up an alternative plan with a neighbor, relative or friend to check on your animal if you are stuck at work or cannot get home. Make sure they know where your disaster kit is.

Finally, place stickers on the front and back doors of your home indicating the number and types of animals in your home so emergency personnel will know how many and what types of animal(s) to look for.

The City has also developed plans to assist pet owners during emergencies. The ACC is working closely with the Office of Emergency Services (OES) and Homeland Security (HS) to allow animal control officers to partner up with first responders to help rescue animals and to encourage sensitivity to animal issues when evacuations are necessary. This occurred spontaneously in previous disasters, such as the 1989 earthquake and the Oakland Hills fire in 1992, but the ACC is now working to get the required training and to formalize a plan with OES and HS.

Another facet of the ACC's efforts is to work with agency partners, such as the SFSPCA, Pets Unlimited and PAWS, to set up animal shelters strategically located near the human shelters that will be housing evacuated residents.

Currently, the OES is doing a survey of possible shelter sites throughout the City. Part of the survey will identify sites for human shelters that can house cats and dogs in adjacent outdoor areas. As experience has shown, many people will not leave their homes if they must leave their beloved pets behind. The City is beginning to deal with this reality and incorporate it into its disaster preparedness planning.

For more information on disaster preparedness, please visit www.72hours.org.

Fiona Ma is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 4.