Pets and service animals are an important part of many families, and it is important to prepare them for emergencies.
On September 15, 2020, NYC Emergency Management hosted an emergency preparedness panel for pets and service animals. The virtual panel, which included representatives from the American Red Cross, the Guide Dog Foundation, the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), and the NYC Animal Planning Taskforce, shared important information that could help New Yorkers and their pets stay safe during emergencies. NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell was also on hand sharing valuable tips with pet owners.
“Our pets are part of the family and they depend on us to keep them safe. During emergencies they can be extremely vulnerable, so take the time to incorporate them into your family’s emergency plan,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell. “This National Preparedness Month is a great opportunity to create a plan to ensure the safety of your entire family, including your pets and service animals.”
“Considering the vital role pets play in our lives, it is extremely important to safeguard their health and welfare as much as we possibly can,” said Jessica Sweeney, senior program manager of ASPCA Community Engagement. “A pet’s first line of defense in emergencies is a well-prepared owner, which is why – especially in the midst of a global pandemic – it is more important than ever for pet owners to incorporate their pets into preparedness plans in case disaster strikes at a moment’s notice.”
NYC Emergency Management works with New Yorkers throughout the year to ensure they have the information necessary to keep their pets safe. The City’s Animal Planning Taskforce, coordinated by NYC Emergency Management includes representatives from non-profit organizations and City government united to provide essential services to pets and service animals during emergencies, as well as support to their families.
“New York City plans for the whole community and this includes our pets and service animals. The City’s Animal Planning Task Force provides essential services like search and rescue, reunification, veterinary care, food and shelter to pets and service animals displaced from their families due to emergencies,” said NYC Emergency Management Program Manager Andrew Perlman. “Every New York pet owner should review the Ready NY My Pet’s Emergency Plan workbook and include the needs of their pets and service animals in their emergency plans.”
At the event, the panel shared preparedness tips with pet owners including the items to include in their pet’s Go Bag as well as how they can incorporate their pets in the family’s emergency plan. Following the presentation, attendees also participated in a Q&A session with panelists.
National Preparedness Month
Held each September National Preparedness Month promotes family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year. During the month, NYC Emergency Management will team up with City agencies and community partners to organize and promote a number of virtual events for the entire family, including children, older adults, and pets, as well as inform New Yorkers and their communities about the steps they can take to prepare.
Census 2020
The 2020 Census is ending on September 30, and it is critical that all New Yorkers are counted. New York City stands to lose billions of dollars in federal aid every single year for schools, hospitals, health clinics, affordable housing, transportation, and more, as well as our representation in Congress and in Albany if we do not achieve a complete count.
The census is easy, safe, and confidential. It can be completed online or by phone. It is just 10 simple questions that can be answered in under 10 minutes. By law, all responses are completely confidential and cannot be shared with anyone — not immigration, not the police, or your landlord. There are no questions about immigration, citizenship, criminal history, or income. Go to my2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to complete your census today. New York City’s future depends on it.
