This week is Emergency Preparedness Week and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) are asking you to promise to prepare and have an emergency preparedness plan in place that includes your furry family members.
Promise to prepare by clicking ontariospca.ca/ep and you will be entered in a draw to win a pet first aid kit, plus you will receive our free digital Emergency Preparedness Workbook outlining everything you need to include when assembling your pet’s survival kit.
Locally, the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre and the Rama First Nations Fire and Rescue Services have teamed up to host an emergency preparedness event on Wednesday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rama Fire Station. Come out to enjoy a barbecue, tour the fire station and trucks, and learn more about emergency planning to protect your family – including your furry family members.
The Ontario SPCA will be on site giving away free emergency decals to anyone who has pets at home to let first responders know there are pets inside. In the event of an emergency like a fire, it can help the chances of firefighters being able to rescue your pets.
“Pets are a big part of people’s family, and they have emergency needs as well,” says Jeremy Parkin, Director Emergency Services/Fire Chief, Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
“It is important for people to consider their pets’ needs when preparing for emergencies. Whether it is including them in your 72-hour kit or knowing what to do in an evacuation, taking care of your family pets is important and can be overlooked. Our friends at the Ontario SPCA are a great resource for emergency preparedness,” said Parkin.
“We’re asking everyone who has a furry family member to promise to prepare,” says Jennifer Bluhm, vice president, community outreach services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
“By having an emergency plan and the necessary emergency supplies to shelter in place, you will be in a better position to help the ones you love, including your pets," said Bluhm.
“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,” says Deputy Chief Rob Grimwood, President, OAFC.
“As a non-profit organization committed to fire and life safety and the well-being of our community, we understand the critical need for readiness in the face of potential emergencies and disasters, including those that may impact our furry friends," said Grimwood.
"By working together with the Ontario SPCA, we aim to increase awareness and advocate for preparedness strategies that protect both human and animal lives during emergencies. This partnership is a testament to our shared dedication to safeguarding lives, including those of our beloved pets, and highlights our proactive approach to ensuring, and safeguarding, our community's well-being.”
For emergency preparedness resources, and to promise to prepare, click here.