Planning for the Future

As much as we’d like to believe the 2017 fires were a one-time accident, climate scientists predict that massive, frequent wildfires are the new normal for California. That’s why Napa Humane is collaborating closely with other community organizations to help everyone prepare more effectively for future wildfires and disasters.

What Are We Doing?

Wendi Piscia, our Executive Director, now serves on the Executive Committee of the Napa Valley COAD (Community Organizations Active in Disaster). This organization brings community second responders together to communicate and collaborate both before and during disasters. By working as a team, this group makes it easier to share information, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure our community’s multi-pronged disaster response efforts work like a well-oiled machine.

Wendi also recently spoke on a panel at the Animal Care Conference, sharing our experiences sheltering and supporting fire victims with animal welfare groups around the state. We are learning everything we can from last year’s fires, and using that knowledge to protect our pets’ future as best we can.

What Can You Do?

So much!

First and foremost, create a disaster plan for your family and pets if you haven’t already! We have downloadable checklists and advice on our website. Just a few minutes of advance preparation can mean the difference between life and death for your beloved pets.

Second, consider joining our community’s emergency response team for animals! A local nonprofit named the Napa Community Animal Response Team (CART) has a wealth of information here. Among many other things, Napa CART trains volunteers on how to safely manage animals during disasters and emergency situations. Thanks to Napa CART, Napa Humane and other Napa County animal welfare organizations are now also meeting regularly to ensure that we are as prepared as possible for a community-wide disaster.

Our animals depend on us to be prepared. We can not let them down.