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| Contact: | Kim Noetzel Communications Manager 623-587-2872 KNoetzel@PetSmartCharities.org |
PetSmart Charities Introduces Emergency Relief Waggin' Program to Respond to Future Pet-Related Disasters
50 Volunteers to Learn Emergency Relief Skills in Baton Rouge, La.
on Wed., March 21
on Wed., March 21
WHAT: Dozens of natural and man-made crises plague our country each year, and some of the most helpless victims are the animals. On Wednesday, March 21, PetSmart Charities will introduce a new program created to better serve pet victims across the continental U.S. called the PetSmart Charities Emergency Relief Waggin’.
Fifty first-time volunteers will be trained to unload and use items from the PetSmart Charities Emergency Relief Waggin’ in preparation for potential future disasters. Volunteers will learn how to operate a manual pallet jack, set up large tents, hook up and run a generator, and coordinate supplies to support a rescue shelter facility, as well as organize and communicate via the federally recognized incident command system (NIMS).
The PetSmart Charities Emergency Relief Waggin’ program consists of six pre-loaded semi-trailers that will be stationed at various PetSmart distribution centers throughout the U.S. Each pre-loaded trailer will carry crates, bowls, leashes, collars, litter, food, tents, fans, a generator, and various other items. The program can be activated for natural or man-made disasters, hoarding or cruelty cases affecting 350 pets or more.
When called to duty, each Waggin’ will deliver its supplies within 48-72 hours to the designated lead animal welfare agency responding to the disaster.
The Emergency Relief Waggin’ program volunteers and supplies will be managed by the nonprofit organization Healing HEART Sanctuary.
WHEN: Wednesday, March 21, 2007 from 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and
2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
WHERE: Holiday Inn South, 9940 Airline Rd., Baton Rouge, La., 225-924-7021
This training event will be held in conjunction with the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) Summit which occurs on March 22-23 at the same location.
WHO: Designated volunteers for the Emergency Relief Waggin’ program will learn how to load/unload the semi-trailer and set up emergency relief operations.