Ferret Friends Disaster Response International is on Disaster Alert Status in two States: Florida and California. Regarding the Tornado's in Central Florida - Thus far no Ferret shelter have reported damage. Local Humane Societies in Counties affected are reporting lots of homeless animals wandering around trying to locate their owners - All Humane Societies seem to be handling situation extremely well. The only shelter we have been unable to contact is Susie Sherman - hopefully we will be able to check on her today. Since the Tornado's truck between 0200 and 0500hrs 2/23/98 most of the animal affected were of course in the house's of their owners - with all asleep. This makes it incredibly difficult to find VICTIMS and locate owners. Emergency Rescue Services are still going through the wreckage today hunting for people (17 missing) who may still be alive. Of course should we change to Disaster Response Status (in FL or CA) we will inform you. As for California, we have been on Alert Status for three weeks and will continue in that stage unless we are notified of situation change. Most animals affected in CA are large i.e. Horse, Cow, Lama etc. I receive fax's every other day from HSUS regarding status. Chere McCoy Director, Ferret Friends Disaster Response International P.S. Please be aware that due to the "El Nino" both Florida and California will experience unseasonable weather. Both states have WAY TO MUCH RAINFALL [Posted in FML issue 2228]