Emergency planning needs to consider pets

Posted on May 13, 2011

Local families are being urged to remember to include their pets when drawing up plans to respond to unexpected emergencies, such as severe weather, traffic disruption or power failures.

The advice, from emergency response partners within the Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum (BLLRF), is especially important as May half – term holiday approaches.

Chairman of BLLRF, Assistant Chief Constable Kath Govier from Bedfordshire Police said: “Emergencies, by their nature, occur when we least expect them. The police and other emergency services are always on hand to respond to such situations.

“However, every family should have its own emergency plan so that each member knows what to do when the unexpected strikes. Experience shows that people often put their own lives in danger in an effort to rescue their pets.

“Millions of people throughout the UK are currently celebrating life with their pets and spreading it is important for families to think about how they would care for their pets if their normal routine was disrupted by a serious emergency.”

BLLRF supports the ‘What would you do if...?’ campaign which aims to help everybody living or working within Bedfordshire and Luton to be prepared and consider what they would do if faced with an emergency. Log onto www.whatwouldyoudoif.co.uk.

Thank you for your support.

Source: Ringmaster Bedfordshire