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********Local News********

June 2000 proved to be a busy month for the Directors of ALERT. After participating in the Technical Animal Response Training (Swift Water and Rappelling) early in the month, Michael Sims, Kim Cauley, & Betty Sims were activated on June 29 to respond to and assist with the tanker 'Treasure' oil spill disaster in Cape Town, South Africa.

A short 12 hours later the three were boarded on a plane for what would prove to be one of the most unusual, exhausting, yet, ironically, rewarding Disasters they had experienced. Anticipation and excitement about the new experience soon gave way to heartache as upon our arrival we were faced with upwards of 17,000 oil soaked Penguins, with more arriving daily. Lending even more tragedy to the sheer numbers was the fact the Penguins affected were a large percentage of the Endangered South African Penguin.(affectionately known as the 'Jack Ass Penguin' ... hah!)

Scores of pages could be written about the time and care required to maintain and prepare each individual bird for eventual release. Or, about the countless local volunteers who arrived daily with smiles and hearwarming words of encouragement, not to mention the long hours they untiringly worked. And, the numerous International 'Experts', part of the International Oiled Wildlife Rescue Team (of which ALERT Disaster Responders are now a proud part), who from numerous walks of life and animal agencies worked 16 and 17 hour days, seven days a week together, racing against the clock to save the 'fragile' birds.

In all, the survival rate from the concerted effort was in the high 90%'s. Almost unheard of from a disaster of this type and magnitude. Approximately 20,000 Penguins were rescued, fed, treated medically, washed, tested, and released.

ALERT Members assisted for approximately six weeks of the near nine week response. Each of us has returned home bringing part of the Disaster, S. Africa, the Locals, the Penguins, and sadness from the knowledge that if strict and swift measures are not taken, tragedies of this nature will continue.
* * * * * Photos from the 'Treasure' Disaster to be added soon.


On 11-21-99 through locals in Santa Rosa County Florida, it came to Alert's attention of a trapped dog in barbed wire. One of Alert's Rescue members { Michael Sims } was called to the scene.

The dog named Triska was entangled in barbed wire due to long hair. The barbed wire was left over from a fence replacement that a local was in progress of making. The owner of the barbed wire { name with held } says his family heard a dog barking through out the night but thought nothing of it. To their surprise though, this helpless pet was trapped all night in barbed wire.

After an on scene hair cut Triska was freed from the wire. After a vet check up, Triska only had only minor injuries. Triska was given a clean bill of health. With the help of the locals Triska's family was tracked down after a short time and was returned.

A quick word from Alert. Animals to some people are just around for our pleasure. In many ways this is true. In many was they are also here for our health, companionship, and for a plan good ole petting. Danger for a animal can lurk as close as your back yard. Thanks to the people in the area that know who to call when a animal is in need, this home town disaster came to a quick and happy ending. Please keep your pets confined.




HURRICANE FLOYD
THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE U S
R.E.A.C.T.





On September 13, 1999 as Hurricane Floyd seemed to be taking aim on Florida's east coast, the newly formed REACT Team (Response for Emergency Animal Care & Training)
was activated. This team consisted of Betty Sims, Team Leader; Kim Hussey; and Michael Sims.

The Southeast Regional Office was to serve as the first staging area where countless phone calls and email inquiries jammed the communication and computer systems. As the team began preparing for what forecasters were calling possibly the worst Hurricane in history, it became clear that no matter where 'Floyd' made landfall, numerous animal issues were sure to surface.

The strong category 4 storm had all the elements in place to make it even more powerful than Hurricane Andrew which devastated south Florida in 1992. Southeast Director Laura Bevan, through her extensive networking system had already begun contacting numerous pet owners, animal control & care agencies, and animal shelters in an effort to alert them of the storm's impending approach. Directly related to this effort, thousands of pet and large animal (mostly horses) owners began evacuating with their animals to what they hoped would be safer ground.

The Florida Animal Disaster Planning Advisory Committee (AD-PAC) under the direction of Ms. Bevan has spawned extensive planning and training, which has led to Florida being second to none in pre-disaster planning, preparedness, and response. Literally hundreds of trained volunteers are put on 'stand by' during any pending disaster within the region, and are prepared to respond and assist with any animal issue that may arise.

After two days of strategy planning and securing equipment and supplies, it became apparent that the slowly northward turning Floyd would either hit South or North Carolina; with likelihood somewhere near the state line. It was then decided that the REACT Team, accompanied by Kim Staton, SE Regional Coordinator, would head north to be available to assist with the countless animal issues that were sure to arise.

At the South Carolina and North Carolina state line the team was temporarily delayed due to dangerous driving conditions. As soon as the wind and rains subsided the team continued enroute to the NC Emergency Operation Center. Upon the early morning arrival, the team immediately began establishing a working relationship with state and local agencies. Damage and needs assessments were conducted. Phone numbers were sent to local and national media for pet owners and animal agencies to call for assistance.

It didn't take long for the team to realize that the number of animals impacted would rise into the thousands, if not millions. No one involved could have known just how many animals would lose their lives in the floods that would follow over the next several weeks. The economic, safety, and health issues about to surface were staggering. It was then decided to activate the other REACT Team members Brandy Baker and Melissa Forberg.

Flood waters from the rising rivers and strained dams created by Hurricane Floyd would reach up to 45' above flood stage in some areas and would destroy homes, businesses, and take human and animal lives. Transportation and communication virtually came to a halt.

The following three weeks in North Carolina the REACT Team, along with several staff members from the Gaithersburg Office, Southwest Office, and Central Office organized and coordinated efforts to secure supplies and equipment, provide volunteer resources, assist with animal rescues, advise pet owners and agencies, set up several temporary satellite shelters, help set up and operate the MASH (medical) shelter at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, assist at local animal shelters, and work with local and state veterinarians. Then began the process of establishing a network of concerned citizens and professionals, all requesting training and education programs; vowing to never again be caught unprepared when disasters strike.

Health and safety concerns relating to the animals affected by 'Floyd' were of such magnitude the National VMAT (Veterinary Medical Association Team) was activated to assist with any animal related issue that would surface. Grave conditions existed with contaminated water flowing everywhere due to decaying carcasses, gas and fuel oil spillage, sewage, and other contaminates.

In all over 10,000,000 poultry (turkeys and chickens), 500,000 swine, and numerous horses, goats, cattle, dogs, and cats lost their lives due to Hurricane Floyd. Rescue workers would find numerous deceased dogs still chained or in their pens, unable to escape the rushing waters.

The HSUS REACT Team and staff members coordinated and participated in the rescue, recovery, and response of over 1,000 animals. Animal response teams also rescued several people while responding to animal calls. Team members, volunteers, and associates also provided food, medical care and supplies, referrals, relocations, and related aid to countless others.

Some of the 'special' animals that stand out in the minds of those responding include a black and brown shepherd mix that rescuers appropriately called 'Hero', due to his breaking through a window to alert rescuers of children inside a dwelling that needed assistance. Also, while rescuers were in boats responding to calls of cats in trees trying to escape the rising waters, a splash was heard, caused by a young (7 weeks old) kitten diving in the water and swimming to the waiting arms of the rescuers; he was quickly named Moon Dog and is now living in a loving foster home. Then comes to mind, Tripod. A young cat with three legs who showed up at a flooded residence apparently in search of help. Volunteer Lori Krombos, feeling that surely a kitten someone cared enough about to provide vet care for the amputation would be looking for him as soon as things returned to near normalcy, took him to the local veterinarian. But as time has passed and no-one coming to look for him, Lori has added Tripod to her 'animal' family. And then a horse, which stood several days in contaminated water covering his legs, could not be evacuated by airlift due to trees and overhead powerlines. Volunteers from the Southern Pines Equine Association returned continuously to provide vet care, food, hay, and comfort. After the waters receded enough to allow for removal he was placed in foster home care and treated for the infection and inflammation in his legs caused by continued contact with the contaminated water. When his owner is able to provide for his care once again, he will be returned.

A special thanks goes to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Code 3 Associates, the American Humane Association, United Animal Nations, Dr. Mary Ann McBride, NC Department of Agriculture, NC Veterinarians Office, and countless volunteers and agencies whose support, assistance, cooperation, and encouragement ensured that the system put into operation benefited the animal victims of Hurricane Floyd.

Betty Sims
Team Leader/Advisor
HSUS REACT

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