For Immediate Release
DISASTER ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING PROGRAM TO LAUNCH IN WALNUT CREEK ON APRIL 22
Walnut Creek, CA – (April 8, 2010) – The City of Walnut Creek and the Walnut Creek Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) will offer a five-week emergency disaster training program for animals at Tony La Russa’s Animal Foundation. The program is open to any member of the public who wishes to assist in the rescuing and sheltering of animals in the aftermath of disasters. No formal training or experience is required.
The training program is a result of the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, which was signed into law in 2006. The law requires states seeking Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance to accommodate pets and service animals in their plans for evacuating residents facing disasters.
The training takes five evenings (from 6:30 – 9:30) and then participants are required to demonstrate their skills during a drill on a Sunday.
When: Thursday, April 22 and then weekly on Thursday until May 20. Final drill is on Sunday May 23rd.
Where: In the ARF Building: Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA.
Who: Organized by the City of Walnut Creek and the Walnut Creek Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), and sponsored by Contra Costa County Animal Services.
Cost: Free
Sign up online at http://tinyurl.com/yd9x772, visit http://usDART.org for more information or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (In your email please list whether you are a CERT graduate and whether you have FEMA ICS 100, 200 and 700).
Media Contact:
Frans Hoffman
Telephone: 925-878-1323
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