Proudly providing resilience education and training in the Shenandoah Valley since 2000.
Resiliency Digest
June 2020
News & tips for being ready
before, during, and after emergencies.
June is Pet Preparedness Month
Don’t worry Tiger, we wouldn’t think of leaving you behind during an emergency! Lots of people, however, fail to think of contingencies for their pets when preparing for potential disasters.
Evacuating with a Pet
According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, after Hurricane Katrina it is estimated that more than 100,000 companion animals and household pets were separated from their families, with nearly 70,000 of those dying (source: aldf.org). This terrible event resulted in the passing of the  Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act (PETS Act), a federal law mandating that in order for states to receive federal funding for their disaster relief plans, those plans must “account for the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals before, during, and following a major disaster or emergency.” Virginia is one of 30 states with an Animal Emergency Response Plan.
Finding Space for Fido
An Animal Emergency Response Plan, unfortunately, does not mean that any shelter or hotel will take your pet. In addition to having an emergency supply kit, a plan, and knowing how to stay informed in the event of a disaster, pet owners should research pet-friendly shelters and hotels, as the PETS Act DOES NOT require that shelters and lodging take animals. For shelters, most local jurisdictions will provide updated lists of emergency shelters on their official websites, including those that accept pets. For lodging, the CDC has listed several sites that can help you search for hotels that accept animals.

More great info, plus a handy Pet Disaster Kit Checklist, are available HERE .
Coronavirus and Your Pets

Authorities are still learning how COVID-19 affects animals, so the CDC has issued guidelines for caring for a pet that has tested positive for the virus. “Based on the limited information available now, the risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. There is no reason to abandon or surrender pets that have been confirmed positive for the virus that causes COVID-19.” Read more  HERE.
Extreme Heat Safety Tips for Parents
According to the National Weather Service, the impacts of extreme heat are more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults. The tips below may seem like no brainers to most parents, but it never hurts to refresh on how to keep your kids safe during an extreme heat weather event!

CARS
  • Touch a child's safety seat and safety belt before using it to ensure it's not too hot before securing a child.
  • Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down, even for just a minute.
  • Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars. They could accidentally trap themselves in a hot vehicle.
  • Always lock car doors and trunks--even at home--and keep keys out of children's reach.
  • Always make sure children have left the car when you reach your destination. Don't leave sleeping infants in the car ever.

A CTIVITIES
  • Slow down: reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
  • Plan indoor activities where you can use air conditioners and fans.
  • Minimize sun exposure. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.

PERSONAL CARE
  • Dress them in lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
  • Serve light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
  • Remind them to drink plenty of water (not very cold), even if they say they aren’t thirsty.
  • Give cool baths or showers. 
COVID-19 and Hurricane Season
Along with preparing for summer heat, being ready for hurricanes is an important part of resiliency planning this time of year. The CDC reminds everyone that hurricane preparedness during the pandemic will require more time and effort to ensure safety, particularly when it comes to updated plans for evacuations and shelters. Hand sanitizer, soap, and face coverings should be included in your emergency kit.
Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 21 - 27
There are lots of myths surrounding lighting, so take a minute to visit the National Weather Service website to make sure you’ve got the facts! 

Myth:   The rubber soles of shoes or rubber tires on a car will protect you from a lightning strike.

Fact:  Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning, but most vehicles with metal tops and sides do provide adequate shelter from lightning because the charge travels through the metal frame and eventually into the ground. Just be sure to avoid contact with anything inside the vehicle that conducts electricity. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. LEARN MORE
[540.885. 5174]  [rebecca@cspdc.org]  [www.cspdc.org]