Disaster Preparedness
Welcome to Disaster Preparedness in Animal Welfare, your essential resource for planning and responding to emergencies involving animals. Whether you’re a pet owner, shelter worker, animal rescue organization, or community advocate, our platform provides the knowledge and tools you need to ensure animals are safe, cared for, and protected during disasters and emergencies.
By taking proactive steps and developing a clear disaster plan, you can help ensure that animals are not forgotten in times of crisis.
State Resources for Disaster Preparedness
Maine Emergency Management Agency - MEMA
The Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is a bureau of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management. At the State level MEMA coordinates the mitigation (risk reduction) preparedness, response and recovery from emergencies and disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or hazardous materials spills. MEMA also provides guidance, and assistance to county and local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to provide protection to citizen and property, and increase resiliency in the face of disaster. The Agency uses strategies such as planning, training, exercise and public education to carry out its mission.
https://www.maine.gov/mema/home
Cumberland County Animal Response Team - CCART
The Cumberland County Animal Response Team (CCART) is a dedicated group of volunteers committed to ensuring the welfare of animals during emergencies and disasters. Our team works under the direction of the Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency and collaborates with local, state, and federal partners to provide timely and effective responses to animal-related incidents.
https://www.cumberlandcountyme.gov/departments/emergency_management_agency/ccart.php
Oxford County Animal Response Team - OXCART
OXCART responds to the needs of animals before, during and after disasters in Oxford County, Maine.
https://www.oxfordcountyema.org/home
York County Animal Response Team - YCART
YCART responds to the needs of animals before, during and after disasters in York County, Maine.
https://www.facebook.com/YorkCART/
Learn more from our friends at The Humane Society of the United States on species specific disaster preparedness.
Equine disaster preparedness:
Horses require extra consideration in disaster planning.
Livestock disaster preparedness:
Be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Community cat disaster preparedness:
You can help community (feral & stray) cats before and after a hurricane, earthquake, flood or other disasters.
Wildlife disaster preparedness:
You can give wild animals a helping hand during extreme weather.
Saving The Whole Family
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has developed this booklet in order to help you avoid having to leave your animals stranded in the event of a disaster or evacuation.
https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/STWF_English.pdf