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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – After working on the ground in Memphis for several weeks rescuing animals affected by the floods and reuniting pets with their families, American Humane Association and Disney TV star and AHA National Ambassador Orlando Brown have launched a Hope Tour to honor Memphis’ valiant First Responders, and bring some sorely needed cheer, financial support, and supplies to area shelters, as well as expert tips to keep children and animals safe.
The 134-year-old charity American Humane Association’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services™ team traveled 1,000 miles with a convoy of rescue trucks to help Memphis’ animals on May 3. Now, AHA President & CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert and Disney star Orlando Brown are hosting a “Community Heroes” breakfast honoring Memphis’ first responders, delivering a grant to a local shelter, and visiting with families and children displaced by the disaster, bringing cheer and supplies.
“Even superheroes need relief and recognition,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association. “We’ve been working side by side with Memphis’ valiant first responders to save the lives of hundreds of people and animals. Now it’s time to refresh, regroup, and refocus on the task of rebuilding the community physically and emotionally. We’re proud to be a part of a 134-year effort to build safe, healthy, and humane communities for the voiceless and the vulnerable, and especially proud to work with the magnificent men and women who have done so much for the city of Memphis.”
“Memphis was sorely tested by the flood and though she emerged a little muddy, she also emerged victorious,” said Disney TV star and musician Orlando Brown. “As a new national ambassador for American Humane Association, I wanted to do my part to help good Memphis get back up on her feet, and through a song or two, put a spring back in her step. It’s an honor to be here among true heroes and I hope that better days will soon be here.”
The floodwaters in Memphis may be subsiding and the immediate danger apparently past, but hazards remain. President & CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert, Chief Veterinary Advisor Dr. Patty Olson, and other experts at American Humane Association have put together a series of 10 simple tips to help parents and other caregivers keep Memphis’ children and animals safe and help them cope with the physical and emotional aftermath of the disaster:
For Children
Even though the worst seems to be over, supervise children closely and inspect those areas in which they are playing. Gullies, downed electric wires, and sharp debris are just a few of the hazards children may encounter following a flood of this magnitude.
Keep an eye on children’s emotional reaction to the crisis. Talk to children – and just as important – listen to them. Encourage kids to express how they feel and ask if anything is worrying them.
Regardless of age, reassure them frequently that you, local officials, and their communities are all working to keep them safe and return life back to normal. Older children may seem more capable but may also be affected by the displacement in their lives.
Watch for symptoms of stress, including clinginess, stomachaches, headaches, nightmares, trouble eating or sleeping, or changes in behavior.
If you are concerned about the way your children are responding long after the crisis is over, consult your doctor, school counselor or local mental health professional.
For Pets
Uncertainty and change in the environment affect animals, too, presenting new stresses and dangers.
Your pet’s behavior may change after a crisis, becoming more aggressive or self-protective. Be sensitive to these changes and keep more room between them, other animals, children or strangers.
Animals need comforting, too. Comfort your pet with kind words and lots of pats or hugs. If possible, provide a safe and quiet environment, even if it is not their own home.
Following a disaster, keep your pets on a leash. Changes in the landscape may confuse them and fences and other landmarks may have changed, making it more likely for them to become lost.
Be careful when allowing pets outside where they may encounter sharp or toxic debris.
Animals may be at more risk to various diseases that accompany floods. Consult your veterinarian if your pet displays any unusual physical symptoms, and determine if any precautionary measures should be considered.
Displacement, Loss, and Reunification
If pets had to be temporarily housed away from their families, be sure and explain the reasons to children, letting them know that their animals will reunited with the family as soon as possible. If a pet is lost and cannot be found, it is important to seek help for all family members who are grieving the loss of a best friend. And once pets are reunified with their families, whether at home, a friend’s house, or a shelter, remember that animals, just like people, often do best with structure in their lives. As the family reunites and rebuilds – structure will again emerge. The best part is when everyone – pets and people – can once again find stability and normalcy in their lives.
About American Humane Association
Since 1877 American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting children, pets and farm animals. Today we’re also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.
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