The Humane Society of the United States - Situation Report
Date/Time: October 29, 2003
Event: Fires
Location: Southern California
Filed by: Robert Reder, HSUS West Coast Regional Office (WCRO)
Current Situation:
San Diego County
HSUS staff and disaster volunteers are supporting local humane and
animal control organizations. As of 8:30 AM today conditions have
worsened in San Diego. There have been three evacuation teams formed
under the direction of HSUS, WCRO Regional Director, Eric Sakach.
These teams are responding to three separate towns (Crest, Valley and
Center) to help organize the evacuation. Additional HSUS staff are on
standby for possible deployment.
San Bernardino County
The fires have also worsened in San Bernardino County and HSUS remains
in close contact with the county EOC. Currently eight shelters are open
and two more will be opened to house an increasing number of evacuees.
Over 1,000 animals are currently at temporary shelters in San Bernardino
of which 30% are dogs, 30% cats, and the remaining are horses and
livestock.
Over 25 HSUS staff and disaster volunteers (including numerous animal
services department staff) have arrived in San Bernardino County today
at the request of county EOC Animal Services Coordinator. The teams
have seven animal control trucks, animal handling equipment, and many
individuals trained in working in fires to San Bernardino County. Petco
is delivering a truckload of supplies this afternoon in a coordinated
effort from the WCRO. We are currently establishing a standby team of
volunteers to replace staff as necessary.
Shasta County
Shasta County reported a large wildfire of over 1,800 acres burned with
homes threatened. No animal issues at this time.
END OF REPORT
To support The HSUS Disaster Program, send a contribution to: The Humane
Society of the United States Regional and Disaster Services 2100 L. St
NW Washington DC, 20037 or call 1-888-259-5431
For more information on disaster preparedness and response for animals
for individuals, animal facilities, and communities, or to support our
efforts, please refer to www.hsus.org/disaster.
Mark your calendars! The HSUS 2004 National Conference for Animals in
Disaster (NCAD 2004) will be held May 12-15, 2004 at the Adams Mark
Hotel in Philadelphia, PA. Information about the conference will be
forthcoming.
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