Emergency and Disaster Planning and Preparedness

The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association wants you and your animals to be prepared in case of a hurricane or other disaster or emergency. That is why we have developed the most comprehensive resource page for animal disaster preparedness in Georgia.
 
Georgia Hurricane Plan
The Georgia Hurricane Plan, Georgia Emergency Operation Plan Incident Annex A, has been developed to ensure that the state is prepared and will respond in a well-coordinated and effective manner to a tropical storm or hurricane.
 
The Plan also provides
      essential steps to planning
      emergency support functions
      evacuation and re-entry procedures
      recommendations for future hurricane planning activities
      guidance for each community’s hurricane/tropical event plan
 
 
 
Pets and Disaster: Be Prepared
From the Georgia Office of Homeland Security
Here's how you can be prepared to protect your pets when disaster strikes. More…
 
 
Georgia 911
Georgia911.org is the state of Georgia’s disaster and emergency website, with up to the minute information on news flashes, evacuation routes, public shelters, and more.
 
 
Independent website containing contact information and links for Georgia's animal welfare societies, humane societies, dog and cat shelters, breed rescues, and other animal rescues.
 
 
Georgia Volunteers Organizations Active in Disaster (Georgia VOAD)
GAVOAD coordinates planning efforts by many voluntary organizations responding to disaster. Member organizations provide more effective service with less duplication by getting together before disasters strike. Once disasters occur, the state VOAD encourages members and other voluntary agencies to convene on site. This cooperative effort has proven to be the most effective way for a wide variety of volunteers and organizations to work together in a crisis.
 
 
Humane Association of Georgia
Humane Association of Georgia (HAGA), in connection with other groups including the Georgia Department of Agriculture and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, developed the nation's first disaster plan for animal care.  Their website includes an outline for emergency preparations, as well as links to sites which may contain helpful information during time of disaster. 
 
 
Interested in starting an animal rescue group or shelter?
The first step is to check the local zoning requirements. If there are no restrictions for this type of establishment, then contact the Secretary of State's Office to apply for incorporation papers. Their information number is 404-656-3920.  After you have received this designation or if you have any further questions, please contact Georgia’s Animal Protection Department at 404-656-4914 and provide your name and contact information. This information will be given to an inspector to schedule a pre-license inspection. You should review and become familiar with the Animal Protection Act and Animal Protection Rules BEFORE your inspection.  The inspector will bring the license application and collect the fee amount, per established guidelines in the Animal Protection Rules, at the time of inspection.
 
 
Animal Friendly Shelters in Georgia
(Information from the GeorgiaDepartment of Agriculture Pet Protection Division. For more information contact their office at 404-656-4914.)
 
 
 

Return Home to Find Your Pet Missing?
 
 
Equine Hurricane Evacuation Information for Georgia
An article from the Summer 2006 issue of the Georgia Veterinarian newsletter.
 
 
AVMA Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide
The AVMA Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide is a 500 page, 3-ring binder of disaster resource information designed for veterinarians, veterinary technicians, emergency managers, and others interested in planning for animals in disasters.
 
 
Saving the Whole Family©
Help your clients keep their animals safe in a disaster by providing them with this informative booklet from the AVMA. This detailed planning resource for both small and large animals in disasters can help your clients maintain the safety of the animals you have dedicated your life to helping.
Brochure (PDF)
 
 
Disaster Preparedness for Veterinary Practices
Are you prepared to continue practicing in the aftermath of a disaster?
Disasters can occur at any time, in any place. Find out how to continue practicing veterinary medicine, continue paying your staff, and communicate with your clients.
Brochure (PDF)
 
 
Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT)
Learn about the AVMA Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams with this informative brochure. The VMAT are highly trained teams of veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and support personnel providing nationwide aid during times of disaster.
 
 
A nationwide resource from the AVMA on 2006 disaster trainings and meetings throughout the U.S.
 
 
Congress Seeks Storm Protection for Pets
The Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ensures that state and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.
 
 
Americans Encouraged to Include Their Pets When Preparing for Emergencies
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Ready Campaign and several animal health and welfare organizations have developed a new brochure that highlights the key steps pet owners should take to prepare themselves and their animals in case of emergency.
 
 
Humane Society of the United StatesDisasterCenter
For more information about responding to disasters, browse through HSUS preparedness information, consider how you can become a National Disaster Animal Response Team member, and learn how you can support teams in protecting animals from disasters.
 
 

 

Related Articles from the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Emerald Coast Veterinary Conference

    (formerly GVMA Summer Convention)
    June 26-30, 2013
    Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
    Destin, FL
    Early-bird registration deadline May 24
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