I know most of us here have made plans for our animal friends in case of emergency/disaster. People to call, people to help however they can. I also can help others that need my help. I have contacted the local county shelter, the local Humane Society, the local SPCA and left my contact number as someone that can volunteer in case of emergency. I can clean cages, feed and water, sit and calm frightened animals. I also have a nice divided garage that we can set up in a moments notice to foster cats and any other small animals. It can be heated/cooled as necessary and is part of my workroom. I have ground that is fenced to safely contain donkeys, goats or sheep. A frightened horse would not be safe with my fencing, but I know others that can help folks with horses. I have a friend that is CERT trained, and is taking their classes on emergency animal rescue. She will be able to go into areas that I will not be allowed. But I can do what I can with my offerings of time, space and grunt work. I know others that can help, and we keep in touch, often reminding each other for when (not if) the need comes. Two years ago there was a horrible wildland fire near us. It was fast, furious and deadly. No warning sirens, no time for evacuation teams sounding alarms. It was just *there* I'll never forget one newscast that showed a fleeing family leading a horse all but out of control. The kids had carriers with cats, a couple of dogs on a leash, and my very favorite, someone carrying a fish tank, with fish. All precious pets, not left behind. There were many others not so lucky, they couldn't get home to save. The firefighters do what they can, *when* they can. Lets all of us do what we can, *when* we can. Ardith Reno, NV earthquake and wildland fire country [Posted in FML 6337]