First Aid for Fido and Fluffy: Preparing Your Pets for a Disaster

AREA (February 22, 2008) – Who can forget the gut wrenching pictures of dogs and cats stranded around New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina? Should disaster strike our area, what would happen to your pet? Or, imagine the look on your pet’s face during a medical emergency like a broken bone or health crisis.

Just like with people, accidents and emergencies can happen to animals and being prepared can make a lifesaving difference. That’s why the American Red Cross Colonial Crossroads Chapter and Summit Medical Group will host a free Be Red Cross Ready lecture dedicated to protecting pets before and when disaster strikes on Tuesday, March 4 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the SMG Education Center in Berkeley Heights.

“Dogs and cats are more than pets, they are family. Just like any other member of the family, they deserve to be cared for and protected,” said Christy Hodde, Colonial Crossroads Chapter executive director. “Red Cross research indicates that pets are part of more than 69 million families across the country. Our goal is to ensure the safety and preparedness of all of our community members, which includes our beloved pets.”

The Be Red Cross Ready lecture will feature special guest Carolyn Currey, director of community services for St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, based in Madison, N.J. She will outline how to prepare for disasters and how to create a pet first aid kit. Basic dog and cat first aid and CPR also will be discussed.

There is no charge to attend the Be Red Cross Ready lecture, however reservations are required. To reserve a seat, please call the Summit Medical Group Event Hotline at (908) 277-8889 or e-mail events@smgnj.com.

A free online education module also is available at www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady to guide users through the three Be Red Cross Ready preparedness actions. The 10-minute presentation is available in English and Spanish and includes a downloadable disaster supplies kit checklist and emergency contact card.