Disaster Planning for Pets, Family

How to prepare for earthquakes, floods, storms

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*The earthquake in Haiti last year left many animals in need of medical care. The HSUS
*Planning ahead can ensure that you can keep the whole family together when disaster strikes. Rosemarie Gearhart/Artistic Captures

These are worrying times. Not long after we marked the anniversary of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, New Zealand was struck by its own 6.3-magnitude earthquake. Now Japan struggles to provide for the wounded and homeless—people and pets—in the wake of March 11’s tsunami, earthquake, and resulting nuclear crisis.

Here at home, the National Weather Services warns of spring floods "from the Northern Plains through the Midwest and eastward to New England."

A person who plans for disaster is going to be far more able to safeguard herself and her animal companions coupled with tornadoes and snow emergencies already plaguing those areas, it's enough to make anyone nervous for the safety of their family and pets.

"How To Weather The Storm"

The good news is that you aren’t powerless, and you aren’t alone. “A person who plans for disaster is going to be far more able to safeguard herself and her animal companions,” says Sara Varsa, The HSUS's Deputy Director for Emergency Services. “Don’t let the recent tragedies paralyze you—be motivated by them to create a comprehensive plan for taking care of yourself and your pets.”

Start with the basics - There are things you can do to get ready for natural disasters with pets, horses, and farm animals in mind. If you’re a pet owner, start with the basics:

* Prepare a plan (even for everyday emergencies), including identifying a place to stay that will accept your pets
* Develop a checklist for all your pets’ supplies and medical information
* Identify a friend, neighbor, or family member who can take care of your pet if you are away

You CAN take your pets

The federal government now officially supports including pets in disaster plans. In 2000 The HSUS and FEMA signed an historic partnership agreement to encourage and assist people who want to safeguard their pets in a natural disaster. FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate puts it plainly: “Animals are important members of millions of families across this country—and as such they should also be included in our family emergency plans.” With this video, FEMA designated May 8, 2010, National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day.

Since FEMA came on board, it’s become easier to find a shelter that will accept your pets. But don’t assume any shelter you go to will allow you to keep your dog or cat with you, cautions Varsa. “Before disaster hits, reach out to local officials—work with them to confirm that you will be allowed to evacuate with your pets and that cohabitated shelters [ones that take people and their pets] will be available in your area.”

MAKE YOUR PLAN NOW!

The HSUS has not only been at the forefront of working with government agencies to make sure that animals aren’t left to fend for themselves, but “we’ve also developed a highly trained team that can be deployed to offer animal rescue and sheltering services in the wake of disasters,” says Varsa. “While our rescue team stands at the ready to offer disaster-response aid, I advise everyone to be proactive and make their own preparedness plans. That’s the best way to look after the animals in your care. It will help you sleep easier—and be able to offer help to those who are less fortunate than you are."

Disaster Relief For Alabama Tornado Victims

"Click To Enlarge"
Our friends at The A.skate Foundation and Faith Skate Supply are looking to help their community in Alabama that has been hit by the devastating tornadoes recently and they need any help they can get. Read the flyer to find out what you can do. Thanks for your support.

Juno Award Winning Artists Kardinal Offishall, Glenn Lewis, Slakahthe Beatchild, Ivana Santilli and more unite to raise money for African Youth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Canadian Ape Alliance and Nova Music Group present Congo Classrooms for a Brighter Future – A Concert to Raise Funds for School Construction in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Juno Award Winning Artists including Kardinal Offishall, Glenn Lewis, Slakah the Beatchild, Ivana Santilli and more unite for concert to raise money for African school

Toronto, ON – On Thursday May 19, 2011, Canadian Ape Alliance and Nova Music Group present Congo Classrooms for a Brighter Future, a concert to raise much-needed funds for further construction of the Kahuzi-Biega Environmental School in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This amazing event will feature performances and special guest appearances by some of Canada’s most talented artists and celebrities including Glenn Lewis, Justin Nozuka, Kardinal Offishall, Ivana Santilli, Slakah the Beatchild, Ayah, Art of Fresh, Saidah Baba Talibah, Melanie Durrant, Wade O. Brown and more!

As a result of the 6-year civil war, over 5.2 million children in the DR Congo receive no education. The Canadian Ape Alliance recognized a need and began laying the groundwork for the Kahuzi-Biega Environmental School in 2003. In Phase I, funded by the Youssef-Warren Foundation, three classrooms were built and opened in 2007 for kindergarten and early childhood education. Now, in order to allow these children to proceed to primary school, it is imperative that Phase II be launched.

“The Kahuzi-Biega Environmental School differs from other African schools because of the years of unrest in the region, but in spite of these difficult conditions the school has successfully been kept running. The people of this region face many other challenges as well including environmental degradation due to illegal mining and logging, roaming armed militias, burning of the forest for charcoal, and the challenge of basic subsistence. It is therefore vital to the long-term survival of the people of the region that the school not only be kept open but expand to help keep up with the needs of the community”, said Dr. Kerry Bowman, president and founder of the Canadian Ape Alliance.

“Its incredible to be able to come together with this group of talented artists who can share their God given gifts while helping to give the gift of education to children; something we here in Canada don't have to worry about for our own children and can easily take for granted”, said Grammy Nominated and Juno Award winning R&B singer Glenn Lewis about his participation in the fundraiser.

Proceeds from Congo Classrooms for a Brighter Future will go directly to the Phase II construction of the Kahuzi-Biega Environmental School.

Video with more detailed information about the Kahuzi-Biega National Park and the Environmental School - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3WZYXTsmLU

What: Congo Classrooms for a Brighter Future – A Fundraiser for School Construction in the DR Congo featuring performances by Glenn Lewis, Kardinal Offishall, Slakah the Beatchild, Art of Fresh, Melanie Durrant, Ayah, Saidah Baba Talibah, Ivana Santilli, Justin Nozuka, Wade O Brown and more

Where: Revival Bar, 783 College Street, Toronto, ON
When: Thursday May 19, 2011; Doors 8pm, Showtime 9pm

Advance tickets can be purchased for $20 at http://bit.ly/CongoClassrooms

To make a donation or for more information visit the Canadian Ape Alliance website www.great-apes.com. Tax receipts are available for donations of $30 or more (not including ticket purchase).

Twitter – http://twitter.com/CongoClassrooms
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=121955051213875

STORM VICTIMS CAN RECEIVE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

http://www2.alabamas13.com/news/2011/apr/29/storm-victim-can-apply-unemployment-benefits-ar-1780495/

WE NEED YOUR HELP TODAY

"Oporation We Care"

People we are in need of your assistance when this development happen in Alabama within 24/hours I was at my local grocery story and dollar store and went to work buying up too $185.00 worth of groceries and headed to "Going Postal" to see my people to ensure my part in aiding and not just asking but making my contribution to show people we are not just asking for you help but doing the same thing we request.

It's bad over there in Alabama people lost lives, homes, landmarks but worst of all so many memories was lost. Its far worse than they proclaim or show on TV and shame on them but shame on some of us going on with our lives and ignoring this tragedy. As I watched the video below submitted by a friend of mines in Alabama I went to tears just imagining what my people was going threw up there and how critical things have gotten over crowded hospitals, the babies, alders, the disabled people, injured veterans and sick people who couldn't get their medicine. Just think the economy was already bad so what about the hard working poor people who was struggling in the past just getting by who didn't have insurance who are now homeless because of this and we are turning a def ear! (Shame on US!!!
)


It is not how much you give or what you donate that's important! All that is important is that you do ....Please join us! Help us help these people who are in dire need of our assistance. How can you do so? You can either donate via paypal coolvxpoz@gmail.com or you can forward water and non-perishables or clothing. (What ever you send is a blessing!) Even if you can only afford one dollar because ......that's one dollar more than zero!

Make your payment today or send YOUR contributions to:

Oporation We Care
Attention: Ms Genelle Hughes
MJS Quickstop
708 Poplar Avenue
Hunsville Alabama 35816

For more info or to get involved email us: owccares@gmail.com

Thank you kindly in advance for your contributions you will help many we will also be videotaping what we do so that you see we are NOT just talking about what we do YOU SEE where contributions are going!

"Cool V" - OWC Director

HOT 103.5 HUNTSVILLE HOTTEST

We would like to thank Huntsville Hottest Hits "HOT 103.5 FM" for reaching out to us for a Free Ice & Water drive yesterday. Thanks to the station manager "Karen Porter" and it's DJ's "DJ Toney Tone", DJ CZA & DJ Fresh as well as "Oporation We Care's" Alabama director "Ms Genell Hughes" also shouts to Tamala Walker and Nickey Douglas a OWC Volunteer. The team hit the pavement and worked very hard supplying the urban community with Ice & Water which has been a major shortage due to lack of electricity.



For new developments and updates check out http://www.hot1035fm.com/ or call (256) 479-8469

Or for more news and updates stay posted!

AT RISK YOUTH - OPORATION WE CARE'S ANSWERS THE QUESTION WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

As you can see from the video posted above we are definitely living in very turbulent times. There have been many solutions people have tried to use to combat these problems the one listed below most have embraced but what are the results and If so then why are the kids rebelling more than ever?

At Risk Teen Boot Camps

If you have been searching for help for an at-risk and defiant youth, you have come to the right place. We specialize in military-style boot camps for kids who are acting out and performing poorly in school. A Teen Boot Camp is similar to life in the military. The youth are up early - usually around 5 or 6 a.m. – and they have chores, inspections, march in formation, calisthenics, kitchen duties, laundry detail, etc. It is no fun, but quite effective at turning around a rebellious child. The camps are ongoing, so a youth can begin any time. Academics are with drill instructors in the classroom and minimum grades are mandatory. We work with youth as young as 10 years of age and can take a child until 6 months of his or her 18th birthday. If your child is in need of therapy of intense counseling, this is not the program for you. If you child needs structure and discipline, this is the place for them.

What is an at risk youth program?

In today's society there is plenty of talk about teen boot camps and structured programs for defiant teens. As you have probably realized, many sites on the Internet propose that they have military-structured programs when, in actuality, they don't. Several of the schools that advertise military-type schools offer nothing more than boarding schools or specialty programs. The difference between a true at-risk teen boot camp and a boarding school is the way the program is run. A true at-risk teen military-type training camp will include uniforms, marching in formation, "yes, sir", "no, sir" tactics, early engagement in calisthenics, and a day filled with a very structured schedule. The at-risk teen military school will also be an in-your-face-style program with drill sergeants, bunk beds, barracks, etc.

Do all schools advertising really have boot camps?

Various programs advertise that they have at-risk teen boot camps, when in reality what they have is a boarding school. The programs do this because they are trying to fill a niche. An adult growing up during the 1960s and 1970s may remember their out-of-control peers being sent to military-type schools. This option was quite popular during that era. Today, sending your teen to a military-type school is different than the 1960s or 1970s, because they must be willing to attend. “Boot camps for teens” is a popular search term because of what the military and boot camps have done for many adults. There are many stories about boys who have joined the military and been forced to grow up while in that environment. This life-changing experience has literally taken many boys and turned them into men. If the military today was anything like the military of the 1960s and 1970s, this might be a good alternative. Although, as we discuss on our “what works, what doesn't” page, we explain how this option is inappropriate for defiant, out-of-control, or at-risk teens.

DOES THIS WORK FOR EVERYONE?

After care full research and monitoring we have realized that "EVERYTHING ISN'T FOR EVERYONE IN THIS CASE" We noticed that you can't fight a fire with a fire and we would rather teach them to "LOVE THEMSELVES 1ST" because as we all know that it's never a good thing to go against anyone who is on the defensive offensively. What we need is more programs that focus on "LOVE", SUPPORT & RESPECT that is what "OPORATION WE CARE" is focusing on. So if you want realistic results we must provide realistic solutions to these problems and Love 1st then some nurturing then education.

We hope we can count on your help to help us to achieve these endeavors.

ELTON BROWN & OPORATION WE CARE "FEED THE NEED COVERED BY "THE DIALY PRESS"

NFL's Elton Brown to host Hampton Thanksgiving feast
NFL veteran Elton Brown is giving back to the community for the second Thanksgiving season in as many years.

Brown and friends are hosting a free meal Thursday at the Y.H. Thomas Community Center, 1300 Thomas St. The festivities start at 10:30 a.m. with a DJ and raffles for prizes.

Food will be served from noon to 3 p.m. The public is invited to a meal of turkey and dressing, yams, string beans, rolls and dessert.

Other sponsors of the event include Architects of Change, Chick-fil-A, Bobby Atkinson, Yes We Can Foundation, Operation We Care and Y.H. Thomas Community Center.

Brown, who attended Hampton High School and the University of Virginia, said he just wants to help the community.

WAVY 10 COVERS - 'ELTON BROANS & OPORATION WE CARE" - "FEED THE NEED EVENT"

ELTON BROWN & OPORATION WE CARE - PRESENTS "FEED THE NEED"

click to see larger image


AS ONE NEWSPAPER REPORTER PUT IT, IT MAY NOT BE FASHIONABLE OR POPULAR TO TALK ABOUT THE POOR BUT THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS STUCK AT THE BOTTOM OF SOCIETY THAT DESERVE TO BE HEARD AND DESERVE TO BE CARED FOR." THE REPORTER FUTHER STATED THAT " THE QUESTION IS NOT WHETHER ADVOCACY FOR THE POOR IS POPULAR- THE ONLY QUESTION IS, IS IT RIGHT?"

REPORTEDLY, 37 MILLION AMERICANS LIVE IN POVERTY AND WITH A BATTERED AND BLOODY ECONOMY IT IS PREDICTED THAT THE NUMBER OF THE HOMELESS AND HUNGRY WILL GET HIGHER.

WITH THAT SAID, ON NOVEMBER 26, 2009 AT 11:00AM THE MOTION COMMUNITY HOUSE & ELTON BROWN IS ORGANIZING FREE MEALS FOR NEIGHBORS AND FRIENDS WHO MAY BE DOWN ON THEIR LUCK OR MAY JUST WANT TO COME AND BRING THEIR FAMILIES TO SHARE IN THE SPIRIT OF FRIENDSHIP, NEIGHBORLY LOVE AND THANKSGIVING.

WITH THE SUPPORT OF MANY GOOD HEARTED AND SPIRITED CITIZENS WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SERVE OVER 500 MEALS PER THANKSGIVING FOR THE LAST 19 YEARS. THIS YEAR THE DEMAND MAY BE HIGHER, THEREFORE WE ARE CALLING ON YOU ONCE AGAIN; COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS, BUSINESSES, CHURCHES AND RESIDENTS TO COME FORTH WITH TRUE WORSHIP IN THE SPIRIT OF THE CHARITY AND LOVE.

WORSHIP SERVICE BY LIFE ALTERING MINISTERIES, PERFORMED BY FOUNDER AND SENIOR PASTOR JOHN L. SOLOMON, REVEREND ROBIN BROWN, MOTHER OF ELTON BROWN, OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE HAS CONSENTED TO SERVING AS THE MISTRESS OF CEREMONY.

IF YOU CARE TO SHARE IN THE SPONSORING OF THIS EVENT, PLEASE MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO ROBIN BROWN- MILLER INC, SO THAT YOU MAY PROPERLY RECEIVE YOUR TAX EXEMPT CREDIT IF YOU CHOOSE TO TRAVEL THAT ROUTE. OR CONTACT SALIMOT AKANDE AT 980-216-0331 OR SALWELLCONNECTED@LIVE.COM ALSO CONTACT OPORATION WE CARE AT (206)350-4780 OR EMAIL US AT oporationwecare@gmail.com

This event is co-signed by ya boy "Cool V" and the good people of "Oporation We Care"
Because We Care............ Do You??????? If so then join us TODAY!
WWW.OPORATIONWECARE.NING.COM
WWW.OPORATIONWECARE.BLOGSPOT.COM
WWW.OPORATIONWECARE.COM (COMING SOON)
WWW.MYSPACE.COM/OPERATIONWECARE
WWW.TWITTER.COM/OPORATIONWECARE
EMAIL US AT OPORATIONWECARE.COM OR JUST CALL US AT 206-350-4780

WE CARE...................... DO YOU?

OPERATIONWE CARE..........WE CARE DO YOU?

MISSION STATEMENT:

We are an organization comprised of a few caring individuals dedicated to change. We exists to assist the less fortunate and underprivileged individuals while networking with like minded organizations dedicated to change.

OUR PURPOSE

At Operation We Care our mission is to educate to general public about the plight of the homeless and disenfranchised youth. Our program offers aid to these individuals by working with shelters and other organizations to give them a place to have a shower and hot meal, assist in connecting them with organizations that can help with resume writing and career development and business attire for interviews. Operation We Care will feature the stories of these individuals, giving them a vehicle to tell their story and hopefully create change in our communities.

Our program will document our interaction with the homeless so that our financial supporters can see how we are using the funds to aid the youth and homeless. Operation We Care recognizes that not all homeless people have made the choice to be homeless. There are many situations where people have lost theirs jobs or other experienced catastrophic events such as Katrina and as a result of that, lost everything else in their lives.

Operation We Care wants to bring light to these stories not only for the purpose of education but also to change the widespread misconceptions that surround the homeless. We only seem to hear of the drug addicts and runaways, but they too are caught in a cycle and need our help. Our program will offer a start towards rebuilding their lives and becoming valued contributors to the economy and community.

Our community programs are failing our disadvantaged youth and this has resulted in this causes them to get caught up in criminal and premature sexual activity. There are many young people that are left to fend for themselves because of parents that are on drugs. Many are dealing with lack of nutrition, basic needs and parental nurturing. We've heard of tragedies such as the 3 months old girl who died in a house fire when her parents left her alone. These stories are not isolated. They are becoming more common everyday and Operation We Care is committed to doing our part to help as many people as possible.

WE CARE.....DO YOU?

REASONS WHY WE EXIST

1) TO HELP PEOPLE WHO CAN'T HELP THEMSELVES

2) TO DO OUR PART IN RESTORING AMERICA TO A CARING NATION IT ONCE WAS

3) NATURAL DISASTERS -FIRES, HURRICANE KATRINA, ETC..

4) AID OUR SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT FOR OUR COUNTRY WHO ARE NOW HOMELESS

5.) CREATE PROGRAMS OR ASSISTS PROGRAMS THAT HELP OUR CHILDREN

6.) TO MAKE TOMORROW A BETTER!

OPERATION WE CARE
"WE CARE!....DO YOU?"