Disaster Response
Disaster Response

STORM TROOPERS IS IN FULL EFFECT!

Storm Troopers is a program that we offer to people evacuating or staying in a safe haven during a hurricane.

Storm Troopers is now in full effect. Just come by to the shelter and say, "I want to be a Storm Trooper!" We will set you up with an animal. This will allow us to make room for abandoned and surrendered animals. Go to the Admissions Lobby to complete a foster agreement and give an ID, and give us your contact information. You take the animal, care for it, and then bring it back when the storm is over and we reopen. (or you can adopt it if you like  )

If you have a carrier or a leash, bring it. Thanks for helping the animals!!!!

Every hurricane season, it is important to have a hurricane preparedness plan in place. However, humans aren't the only ones that need to be prepared for during inclement weather. Pet owners should have an emergency plan that includes the safety of their animals, and should always be informed about the potential for evacuation in their area.

 

Here are some tips to help you and your pet make it safely through another hurricane season:

Plan before the storm:

  • If you are ordered to evacuate, DO NOT LEAVE PETS BEHIND. PLAN NOW.
  • Go to a friend, relative or hotel that allows pets. Check online for pet friendly motels.
  • The Halifax Humane Society does not board pets during hurricanes.
  • If you have no other place to go, you and your pets can go to the Deland Fairground People and Pets Shelter. Space is limited, so please make that your last resort. 
  • Do NOT turn your pets loose to fend for themselves. 
  • Pets are domesticated animals and cannot survive on their own! By doing so, you are committing a crime and putting your animals and the community at risk.
  • Every reasonable effort will be taken post event to reunite animals to their owners. This includes following standard methods stated in the SOP’s of the HHS Manual with tracking all/any animal identifications present. Additionally, the stray period of 72 hours may be extended with approval from Chief Level Staff. 
  • Normal adoption procedures for animals not associated with disaster event start within 24hrs of all clear- unless directed by Chief Level Staff.


Supplies - Prepare NOW:

  • Leashes for dogs and harnesses for cats. Keep collars on animals at all times
  • Current I.D. Tag & Microchip 
  • Vaccination & medical records, ownership papers and current photo of each pet
  • Pet carrier or crate for each animal (large enough for the animal to stand and turn around)
  • Essential medications, pet first aid kit
  • Water bowls and bottled water - three days per animal
  • Food bowls and food for three days per animal. A manual can opener
  • Cat litter and litter pans (for cats)
  • Disinfectant and cleanser to handle animal waste properly
  • Towels, blankets, toys and brushes
  • Plastic bags


If You Stay Home:

  • Bring companion animals indoors well ahead of a pending disaster.
  • DO NOT leave domestic pets outside or tied up.
  • Stay calm. Pets pick up on your emotions.
  • Stay close to your usual routine. Pets find routines calming.
  • Pets may be most comfortable and secure in pet carriers indoors under supervision.
  • Place an ID tag on halter of all large animals.
  • Keep photo ID of all haltered animals; include a close-up of any special identifying mark(s).
  • Difficult, dangerous animals should be placed in special carriers to reduce the possibility of escape. 


After the Emergency:

  • Walk your animal(s) on a leash or lead until they become reoriented to their home. Do NOT allow animals to roam freely.
  • Downed power lines and other debris pose real dangers to you and your animals. Beware of standing water and other animals.
  • Do not allow animals to consume food or water that may have become contaminated. 


If you have no other place to go, you and your pets can go to the DeLand Fairground People and Pets shelter. Space is limited so please make that your last resort.

DO NOT turn your pets loose to fend for themselves. Pets are domesticated animals and cannot survive on their own! By doing so, you are putting your animals and the community at risk.

In the event of an evacuation, the People & Pets shelter will be opened located at Volusia County Fairgrounds, one quarter mile east of I-4, on S.R. 44.

For more information on the People & Pets shelter, call:
     Daytona: 248-1790
     Deland: 740-5241
     New Smyrna Beach: 423-3369