The Snowball Effect

Natural disasters are increasing in intensity and severity and companion animals are often adversely impacted however they have not been included in evacuation plans historically, so communities and rescue organizations need to work together to provide adequate resources for companion animal owners in preparation for disasters.

Episode Hosts: Michelle Ledru, Megan Sekiya

Course Coordinators & Podcast Ringmasters: Colleen Duncan, Molly Carpenter, Treana Mayer

Audio Engineer: Ethan Fagre

Special Guests: Dr. Ragan Adams, Erik Thompson

Episode Notes

In the most recent IPCC report, it was stated that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. Humans and animals alike will be negatively impacted by these natural disasters. In Hurricane Katrina, Snowball, a little dog that could not get on the evacuation bus with his child owner spurred the PETS act. This act states that FEMA will only provide funds to organizations that include plans for the rescue and essential needs of animals. This episode covers the progress that’s been made in disaster planning since the PETS act was implemented and how you can be prepared for a natural disaster before it hits your area.

References

Chadwin R. Evacuation of Pets During Disasters: A Public Health Intervention to Increase Resilience. Am J Public Health. 2017;107(9):1413-1417. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2017.303877

Farmer A. K. and DeYoung S. E. The Pets of Hurricane Matthew: Evacuation and Sheltering with Companion Animals. Anthrozoös. 2019; 32(3):419-433. DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2019.1598661

Glassey S. Did Harvey Learn from Katrina? Initial Observations of the Response to Companion Animals during Hurricane Harvey. Animals. 2018; 8(4):47. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani8040047

Hoegh-Guldberg, O., D. Jacob, M. Taylor, M. Bindi, S. Brown, I. Camilloni, A. Diedhiou, R. Djalante, K.L. Ebi, F. Engelbrecht, J. Guiot, Y. Hijioka, S. Mehrotra, A. Payne, S.I. Seneviratne, A. Thomas, R. Warren, and G. Zhou, 2018: Impacts of 1.5ºC Global Warming on Natural and Human Systems. In: Global Warming of 1.5°C. An IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty [Masson-Delmotte, V., P. Zhai, H.-O. Pörtner, D. Roberts, J. Skea, P.R. Shukla, A. Pirani, W. Moufouma-Okia, C. Péan, R. Pidcock, S. Connors, J.B.R. Matthews, Y. Chen, X. Zhou, M.I. Gomis, E. Lonnoy, T. Maycock, M. Tignor, and T. Waterfield (eds.)]. In Press.