The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Scott Smith, minister responsible for the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO), has commended the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) and the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) for partnering with EMO to develop an emergency preparedness strategy for pet care in case of an emergency. The organizations noted that, when emergencies strike, pet owners have little time to start making special arrangements for pet care. These simple guidelines will be an important part of household emergency plans "This strategy will help to ensure the care and safety of an important part of many families-their pets. Manitoba EMO recommends that people have enough supplies to sustain their family for three days or have evacuation plans, and that general rule should apply to pets as well," said Smith. "The information being provided by EMO, WHS and MVMA to the public should help provide animal owners with the awareness and information they need to plan for the health and safety of their animals during an emergency situation," said Dr. Dale McKague, president, MVMA. A pet plan involves preparations that ensure the necessary care for animals before, during and after an emergency. Topics covered by the guidelines include: - securing information regarding nearby shelters for pets during evacuations; - advice about sheltering pets in an evacuated home; - adequate food and water, and room placement; - household hazards; - medications or special diets; - animal behaviour during severe weather events; and - animal behaviour after an emergency situation.
