Hurricane Sandy
Hurricane Sandy was a devastating storm that ravaged the East Coast, particularly the state of New Jersey. Together, the state is repairing in the hopes of reclaiming homes, normalcy, and rebuilding a stronger state. The following is a list of resources for veterinarians, pet owners, for those affected by the storm, and for those interested in how they can aid in the efforts to keep New Jersey animals safe.
Click here to see the list of resources for veterinarians.
Click here to see the list of resources for pet owners.
Click here to see the list of important contact information.
AVMF Relief and Reimbursement Grants: The AVMF’s Relief and Reimbursement Grants are available to veterinarians affected by Hurricane Sandy. Veterinarians have up to 9 months following the disaster to apply for these grants. Relief Grants up to $2,000 are available to veterinarians whose practice was directly impacted by the storm and Reimbursement Grants up to $5,000 are given to veterinarians who treat or hospitalize the animal victims of disasters such as Hurricane Sandy. More information on applying for or donating to the disaster grant programs can be found on the AVMF’s website, www.avmf.org.
How Can You Help?: In areas that were devastated by the storm, some of the temporary emergency animal shelters are in dire need of veterinary assistance.
If you can volunteer even one day of service at a shelter located in Burlington, Monmouth or Ocean County, please contact Dr. Shari Silverman with the New Jersey Department of Agriculture at shari.silverman@ag.state.nj.us.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has been working with the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management, U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to help dogs, cats and other pets and owners in need. A hotline for Hurricane Sandy victims who left their pets behind when evacuating their homes in advance of the storm has been established. The phone number to call is 1-855-407-4787 (1-855-407-HSUS). The hotline is available 24 hours a day.
Reminders for pet owners following a disaster:
- Do not leave pets at home alone. If leaving town, take pets with you as they are unlikely to survive on their own.
- Do not release exotic pets into the environment. Such action is irresponsible and puts animal and human life at risk.
- Leash pets when going outside and stay close together. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets may become confused and lost if left outside on their own.
- Do not allow pets to swim in flooded areas. Downed power lines are a potential hazard.
- BEWARE: Snakes and other wild and dangerous animals may be lurking in flooded areas.
- The behavior of pets may change after a disaster. Watch animals closely. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Seek veterinary advice if such behavior continues.
- PSE&G: 1-800-436-7734, www.pseg.com/outagecenter, and @PSEGdelivers on Twitter.
- JCP&L: 1-888-LIGHTSS (1-888-544-4877) or 1-800-545-7738, www.jcp-l.com, and @JCP_L on Twitter.
- AC Electric: 1-800-833-7476, www.atlanticcityelectric.com/home/emergency, and @ACElecConnect on Twitter.
- Rockland Electric Company: 1-877-434-4100, www.oru.com, and @ORUConnect on Twitter.
- Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative: 1-877-504-6463, www.sussexrec.com/outages.asp.
- Vineland Municipal Utilities: 1-856-794-4280, www.vinelandcity.org/Electric/VMEUsite.
- Red Cross: The Red Cross is working closely with local, state, and federal emergency management teams to provide shelters throughout New Jersey. To find a Red Cross shelter operating in your community, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or check online at app.redcross.org/nss-app/.
- Federal Assistance: The Federal Government has a website that allows people to apply for assistance online: http://www.disasterassistance.gov. If you want to apply by phone rather than the Internet, you can call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362).