NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Residents of Savannah will have an opportunity to meet the animal rescuers who saved hundreds of pets during Hurricane Katrina and other disasters when Noah's Wish arrives to train volunteers for their National Animal Disaster Response Team on February 3, 2006. The non-profit organization that works exclusively to rescue and shelter animals in disasters is conducting a three-day training program which is a requirement for volunteers who want to participate in animal rescue and shelter during disasters. Noah's Wish relies on this trained volunteer corps to respond when disaster strikes. The training session is filled to capacity and closed. However, Savannah residents interested in learning more about Noah's Wish are urged to attend a free two-hour information session on Friday, February 3 from 7 to 9pm ET. Participants will learn more about the organization and hear first-hand accounts of animal rescue during Katrina from Noah's Wish Founder and President Terri Crisp and other members of the response team. In addition, lifesaving information about disaster preparedness for animals will be provided. Registration is required for the Friday night session. Location: The Savannah Station, 601 Cohen Street. Due to limited space, please register now and note that people will not be admitted without pre-registration.
Noah's Wish responded to Hurricane Katrina and set up a temporary shelter in Slidell, Louisiana 72 hours after the storm devastated the Gulf Coast. Almost 2,000 animals were rescued and cared for in the three months following the disaster. The massive animal rescue effort was made possible by over 1,000 volunteers who responded from across the United States and Canada.
"Volunteers are the heart of Noah's Wish; without them, our work would not be possible," said Terri Crisp, Founder and President. "Our training is unique because it is the only program that simulates the disaster environment and prepares volunteers for the emotional and physical challenges of working to save animals in areas of total destruction and chaos."
Participants stay on-site for the hands-on training that includes team building and instructional classes. The agenda includes safety, procedures for processing paperwork, animal care and handling, search and rescue procedures and disaster preparedness.
Crisp has been saving animals in disasters since 1983. Her unmatched experience has made her the expert in the field of managing animals in disasters. Terri is also the acclaimed author of Out of Harm's Way and Emergency Animal Rescue Stories. She also helped co-write an animal disaster training course for FEMA.
Noah's Wish is a not for profit 501c3. PO Box 997 Placerville, Ca 95667. For more information and to register, please visit www.noahswish.org, email info@noahswish.org or call (916) 939-9474.