In commemoration of Emergency Preparedness Week, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, alongside the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC), are urging individuals to prioritize emergency planning that includes their beloved pets.
Locally, the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre and the Rama First Nations Fire and Rescue Services have united forces to host an emergency preparedness event on Wednesday, May 8, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rama Fire Station. Attendees can anticipate a day filled with informative sessions, a barbecue, exclusive tours of the fire station and its apparatus, and invaluable insights into safeguarding their families, including their furry companions, during times of crisis.
At the event, the Ontario SPCA will distribute complimentary emergency decals to pet owners, designed to alert first responders to the presence of animals within a household. This proactive measure significantly enhances the likelihood of successful pet rescues during emergencies, such as fires.
Jeremy Parkin, Director Emergency Services/Fire Chief of Chippewas of Rama First Nation, underscores the importance of considering pets’ needs amidst emergency preparedness efforts. “Pets are a big part of people’s family, and they have emergency needs as well,” Parkin emphasizes, highlighting the necessity of including pets in emergency plans and evacuation strategies.
Jennifer Bluhm, Vice President of Community Outreach Services at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, stresses the significance of pet owners committing to comprehensive emergency preparedness. “We’re asking everyone who has a furry family member to promise to prepare,” Bluhm urges. By devising and implementing emergency plans, and ensuring the availability of essential supplies for sheltering in place, individuals can enhance their capacity to safeguard their loved ones, including their cherished pets.
Deputy Chief Rob Grimwood, President of OAFC, expresses the organization’s staunch support for Emergency Preparedness Week initiatives. “The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) is very pleased to join forces with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society in observing, and raising awareness around Emergency Preparedness Week this May,” Grimwood affirms. Emphasizing the crucial role of readiness in mitigating the impact of potential emergencies, Grimwood underscores the shared commitment to promoting preparedness strategies that safeguard both human and animal lives.
The collaboration between OAFC and the Ontario SPCA underscores a proactive approach to community well-being, emphasizing the paramount importance of safeguarding the lives of pets alongside their human counterparts during times of crisis.
