When an earthquake rumbles through San Benito County or water
overflows out of a riverbed, the safety of animals can be an
afterthought.
When an earthquake rumbles through San Benito County or water overflows out of a riverbed, the safety of animals can be an afterthought.
For Bill Grimes, the safety of animals is not as important as humans’ safety, but it’s a close second.
Grimes, a member of the American Humane Association, teaches community members across the country how to save their animal companions during a natural disaster. As part of the American Humane’s Red Star Animal Emergency Services, Grimes conducts a two-day class that focuses on rescuing animals that are caught in the middle of a natural disaster.
The Hollister Police Department spent two days last weekend hosting Grimes and his animal emergency training program, which helped prepare volunteers and the department on how to rescue animals during natural emergencies.
“For this community, we thought it was important to have people prepared not only for the safety of human beings, but for animals,” Hollister Police Department Sgt. David Westrick said.
The two-day class gathered nearly 20 volunteers from the local shelter and surrounding community. The event was open to anyone who was interested, and registration was $35 per person.
The first day was spent in the classroom, going over what to expect from animals under the worst conditions, Grimes said. On the second day, he set up a mock disaster with live animals. Volunteers have to run a shelter with live animals.
“We try to do what would happens during a natural disaster,” Grimes said. “People don’t know where to start.”
People need to follow a few guidelines during a disaster, Grimes said. The first is making sure you’re safe, before worrying about the animals.
“Animals won’t be safe, if you’re not safe,” he explained. “Safety is the most important.”
The class was paid in part by a grant received by the department received from the San Benito County Community Foundation, Westrick said. The department hopes to host the class next year.
