PRESS RELEASE

SuffolkCountySPCA Prepares for Nor'easter

Suffolk County OEM has requested the

Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to put its mobile animal hospital (MASH) unit and agency

personnel on stand-by to provide support to Suffolk residents who may

be impacted by this weekend's storm. Roy Gross, Chief of the Suffolk SPCA reissued guidelines for pet owners and he said "the

Suffolk County SPCA is prepared to provide support if and when the storm reaches destructive strength.

Chief Gross said that it is important to remember to keep your pets indoors and under close supervision during periods of intense winds.

PREPARE A FAMILY AND PET DISASTER PLAN NOW

A well-thought-out plan of action for you, your family and family pet can go a long way  
towards reducing potential suffering from natural disasters.

Household emergency plans should be kept simple.

·        Maintain a link to the outside can be crucial. Keep a battery-operated radio  
and extra batteries on hand.

·        Post emergency numbers (fire, police, ambulance) by the phone.  
Teach children how to call 911 for help.

·        Teach responsible family members how to turn off the utilities in your home.

·        Identify family meeting places in case you are separated.

·         Develop an emergency communication plan.

·        Be familiar with escape routes in case you need to evacuate your neighborhood.  
Plan several escape routes for different contingencies.

·        Check with the SPCA or OEM for a location that allows pets to seek shelter.

·        Do not go back into evacuated areas to rescue your pet.   Notify the SCSPCA or the OEM about the location of your pet.

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

·   Flashlight and extra batteries

·   Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries

·   First-aid kit

·   Emergency food and water

·        Family and Pet medications

·   Non electric can opener

·   Essential medicines

·   Cash and credit cards

·   Sturdy shoes and a change of clothing

·   Copies of important papers, including bank accounts, insurance and household i 
nventory records

For information contact

Chief Roy Gross

631 382 7722

Suffolk County SPCA