spcaLA’s DART TEAM RESPONDS TO
LA CANADA AND STATION FIRES

Los Angeles CA- As the La Canada and Station fires worsen, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) is on the scene having deployed their Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) yesterday afternoon.
On the move to Sylmar, DART has been called to rescue goats, horses and cattle.  In addition, DART is providing people and materials to the Pasadena spca who are housing evacuated animals. "spcaLA is assisting Pasadena spca any way we can and our mutual aid friends and colleagues are also standing by," says spcaLA President Madeline Bernstien.
DART has set up one command center in Hansen Dam and are awaiting more evacuation calls. It is possible that they will station a second command center near Akton. DART is under the command of spcaLA Captain David Havard who has forty years experience as a humane officer and in disaster response.
spcaLA’s DART contains a full communications system capable of monitoring and dispatching emergency services.  This unit can serve as an information resource to residents and the media; provide temporary housing, food and medical care to animals; and function as a support system to aid and assist local, state, and national animal control agencies.  DART is entirely funded by the generous support of spcaLA donors without whom disaster response would not be possible. 
spcaLA strongly recommends pet owners prepare for an emergency by following simple guidelines to ensure their pet’s safety in the event of an urgent situation or natural disaster:
·       Make sure there is a supply of canned/dry pet food and bottled water with other emergency provisions including pet prescriptions and medicines.  If you have a dog, include a muzzle some state/federal rescue operations require them if you use their services to evacuate.
·       If roads are blocked due to a natural disaster, professional help may not be possible immediately so familiarize yourself and other family members with pet CPR, resuscitation and general first aid procedures. Your quick action could save your pet’s life.
·       Try not to display stress and anxiety when dealing with pets. Most animals are very aware of their owner’s emotions and can read your stress. This can cause otherwise calm pets to display aggressive behavior.
·       Continuously check pet structures and favorite hiding places for hazardous debris.
·       Dogs and cats should wear I.D. tags with current address and/or phone number at all times, in addition to being micro-chipped. This will make it easier for you and your pet to be reunited if separated.
·       Keep up-to-date on your pet's vaccinations.  Pets may become disoriented and stray, or housed in shelters with other animals, thereby potentially becoming exposed to infectious diseases.
·       Alert local shelters immediately upon discovering that your pet is missing.
·       Visit your local spcaLA Pet Adoption Center or ask your local fire department, animal shelter or veterinarian for a "Pet Alert" sign for doors and windows or make your own by listing your pets on 3x5 cards and display it prominently.  Purchase the "Animal Evacuated" sign through spcaLA to alert authorities that all pets have been removed to ensure the emergency teams respond where they are needed.

spcaLA is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization serving Southern California since 1877.  There is no national SPCA, parent organization, or umbrella group that provides financial support to spcaLA.  Donations run programs and services including Cruelty Investigation, Disaster Animal Response Team, Humane Education, and a variety of shelter services.