Disaster Planning and Rescue, Part II

Abstract

Aviculturists around the globe may experience hurricanes, tornados, straightline windstorms, floods, earthquakes or fires, and depending on where they live, they may have to endure snow and ice storms in winter or sandstorms in desert locations. Each type of disaster has its own timeline and fury, and each requires its own set of plans to help assist bird owners that may be affected. Bird people should plan for disasters and learn how to rescue their birds and the birds of others.

Plan, Plan, Plan

The first step is to think about supplies that might be needed during any given emergency situation. Transporting birds requires cages or carriers and it may be wise to store pre-assembled or collapsible carriers where they can be accessed quickly. Make sure to equip the carriers with perches and water dishes. A tub that contains towels, nets or gloves may be wise, too, for catching birds that are not so tame.

These things should be assembled and stored now as there may not be time when disaster strikes. If storage is a problem, hang them from the ceiling in your garage. Some people store emergency cages and carriers in the same area as the bird's permanent cage or flight. If cages/flights are locked, key all locks the same, if possible. Otherwise, much time will be lost fumbling for the proper keys.

Make sure birds are easily identifiable through leg bands and/or microchips. You might want to have duplicate records stored elsewhere so they will be retrievable and you can easily prove ownership.

Plan ahead and identify several locations to which birds may be relocated. Find someone with a barn, garage or maybe even a vacant store that is likely to be out of the danger zone and where you will have permission to keep the birds.

Will there be tools needed to get into cages or catch the birds? It might be wise to set up a tool box for emergency uses, complete with wire cutters and other hardware. Depending on the disaster, a chainsaw may be necessary as well.

Develop an evacuation plan. Obviously, the more birds that will be involved, and the larger they are, the larger the transit vehicle you'll need. If rental vehicles must be used, make sure they have ventilation to the cargo section. Remember, in many emergencies, roads are blocked or police do not allow passage, so rescue vehicles may not be able to get to you. If an emergency is imminent, you need to get out before the roads are closed. Do not wait. Anticipate that the longer you wait, the more gridlocked the roads will be with others trying to evacuate and there may not be any gas, food or water available.

In cases where you do not evacuate, but stay on the property and shelters, you need to plan for your own generator, food, and water. If stocking up ahead of time, replace the supplies of food and water regularly to avoid spoilage. During emergencies there may be long periods without electricity, communication and available supplies. Know your GPS coordinates so rescuers can find you if street signs are destroyed.

Draw up and post your written evacuation or shelter plan in an obvious place so rescue workers can find it if needed. The plan should contain contact information for you and your veterinarian, give instructions for how to catch the birds, which birds can go in the same carrier, how to retain the identity of the pairs, diet instructions and any health issues. Specify and map the location of birds, food and water, carriers, capture equipment, chainsaw and tools. Have a checklist of what you need to take with you.

The decision of whether to evacuate is often made at the last minute. Often this decision includes whether to evacuate the birds. In some storms, the birds may be able to weather it out and this would be preferable over the stress of capture and relocation.

 With fire approaching, the smoke danger also needs to be evaluated.

When in doubt, get out! Some disasters do not give sufficient warning to make decisions easily. Remember, your safety comes first. If you need help, contact the American Federation of Aviculture through the main business office at (512) 585-9800 or email them at afaoffice@afabirds.org.

Instructions for Bird Rescuers

Rescue only those birds whose lives are threatened. Solicit experienced bird handlers to help with the rescue. The American Federation of Aviculture is ready to try to locate help for you.

Many times, the hardest part of an evacuation is getting to the area where the birds need to be rescued. Roads may be blocked by police to keep you from entering the disaster area. It will help if you have proof that you are a legitimate rescue team working to obtain access to the area. Your truck or vehicle can be marked with an AFA sign and logo. These magnetic signs can be obtained from the AFA office. You may also get T-shirts or name cards designating you to be an AFA disaster relief volunteer.

Large disaster areas in the United States are supervised by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Incident Command System. Each disaster has an incident commander who controls the operation. All government disaster workers (police, firefighters, etc.) ultimately report to him or her. If stopped by the police, ask to contact the incident commander or a representative to obtain permission to enter the area.

If you cannot obtain permission to enter the area, there may be locals who can direct you to alternate routes to get to your destination. However, do not risk your life or welfare to enter a dangerous area.

If time allows, determine where you are going to take the birds to safety. Any building that is safe and secure can be used. If you have already rescued the birds and need a place to take them, AFA will help you locate places to house the birds.

 

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