CONWAY, AR – After the 2014 April tornadoes, many families developed disaster plans. But does that plan include your pets?
They are said to be man’s best friend, but what happens when disaster comes ripping through your town?
“I live in Vilonia and I saw that devastation and those animals just running lose injured and nobody was taking control,” said volunteer Michelle Gibson.
After April’s deadly tornadoes, animal rescue volunteers in Faulkner County like Gibson were working tirelessly to reunite hundreds of pets with their owners.
Now, those same volunteers have created an animal disaster relief group.
“We have a grant. We have a little bit of money. You can never have enough, but we will be able to do drills and different types of stuff in preparation,” says group leader Donna Clawson.
The Faulkner County Animal Emergency Response Team is the first official state-approved group.
Saturday, the group held its first meeting, signing up about 30 members.
Despite the low number, leaders say they are just getting started.
“My volunteer number would be 50 to 75. It takes a lot to bring in those animals, care for those animals,” said Gibson.
For the next two months the volunteers will organize and practice so that when severe weather season arrives they can help you and your furry friends be prepared.
If you are interested in helping you can contact Donna Clawson at (501) 336-4891.