Are you confident in your ability to keep both yourself and your pet safe during an emergency that requires evacuation or sheltering in place?

On June 12, the Gilpin County Animal Rescue Team (GCART) utilized the Gilpin County Library space to host an insightful meeting focused on emergency preparedness and pet safety.

The gathering, led by Melissa Lewis, Director of Emergency Management, emphasized the importance of proactive planning, especially for pet owners in our rural community.

Lewis, former wildland firefighter and EMT, began the evening with an in-depth discussion on pet preparedness and emergency management. She guided participants through the necessity of including animals in evacuation plans, understanding animal behavior under stress, and identifying local resources to support these efforts.

The main risk to the area is fire, with snow and windstorms also considered potential dangers to domestic animals.

Attendees were encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts and notifications through Hyper-Reach, with special considerations for those requiring assistance during evacuations. More information can be found at https://signup.hyper-reach.com/hyper_reach/ sign_up_page_2/?id=84582.

The conversation then shifted to broader aspects of emergency preparedness and response. Lewis covered topics including notification to shelter in place, evacuation protocols, and the importance of lifelines such as food, water, shelter, health maintenance, and transportation. A key takeaway was the need for a comprehensive plan that incorporates pets, ensuring their safety during emergencies.

To build on this foundation, Lewis advised attendees to microchip their pets, train them, and prepare “go bags.”

“Practice crating them. Practice trailering them. Getting them in and out,” she said.

She encouraged people to network and communicate with one another about their plans. Personal response plans, communication systems with family and neighbors, and clear evacuation procedures were discussed as essential components of disaster preparedness.

Specific tasks included creating grab lists for essentials, maintaining updated vaccination records, and having necessary supplies like leashes and crates, and medications ready for both humans and pets.

Participants were reminded of the importance of reporting loose pets during emergencies and utilizing online platforms to help locate missing animals.

Detailed information on evacuating animals, ensuring proper documentation, and the challenges of communication during emergencies were shared, reiterating the importance of proactive planning.

Real-life scenarios were discussed, including the challenges of finding lost pets in wilderness areas and the importance of having ID on pets during transportation.

GCART volunteers suggested innovative solutions like using Apple tags for tracking and paint sticks for identifying horses.

Veterinarian Technician Kate Cannon recommended microchipping for any animal as a crucial step, which ensures updated information is linked to the microchip.

Participants shared their experiences with diverse pets, including horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and even a bearded dragon, reflecting the community’s variety of animal ownership.

Lewis acknowledged the effectiveness of the new Gilpin County Facebook page for communication and called for feedback to improve strategies.

She presented county evacuation maps and discussed the creation of evacuation zones.

Concerns were raised about the impact of railroad tracks on South Beaver during evacuations, highlighting the need for early communication and action.

The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on the necessity of preparedness and the critical role of community support in ensuring the safety of both people and pets during emergencies.

GCART, led by Melissa Lewis, remains committed to supporting the Gilpin County community and its animals through education, resources, and proactive planning.

More information can be found at https://gilpincounty.colorado.gov/elected-officials/sheriff/emergencymanagement/animal-response-teamgcart.