Pets in an emergency

Many people in Middle Tennessee found they had to flee the fires recently and taking their pets were something they had to do for many reasons. The Red Cross has posted a good article about the people that had to flee.

“I told the police I wouldn’t leave unless I could take my dogs,” said Red Cross shelter resident Chuck Jenkins. He made this declaration when police officers urged him to evacuate as deadly wildfires bore down on and eventually destroyed his Maples Forge community and over 2000 additional structures in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s a declaration that disaster responders have heard many times. Pets become cherished members of families, and all too often people refuse to evacuate incredibly dangerous situations unless their pets go too. It’s a decision that can lead to tragic consequences.

They also have a nice page for those that like to take some simple actions now in case they do have to leave their homes.