Posted on behalf of Eric Thompson
June 6, 2013

Many thanks to GreaterGood.org for their generous grant to Code 3 to keep us rolling and able to pay it forward to the animals and their human families. It is through their charitable support, and the support from other organizations and individuals, that keeps us taking care of animals in disasters and providing training to those involved in animal related law enforcement and emergency response. We greatly appreciate their support, made possible through the Animal Rescue Site's Gifts that Give More program.

GreaterGood.org™ is devoted to addressing the health and well-being of people (particularly women and children), animals, and the planet. GreaterGood.org partners with and funds leading nonprofit organizations around the world in order to alleviate poverty and hunger, promote peace, address cancer and other widespread health problems, foster literacy and provide education, preserve vital habitats in peril, and provide protection and care to vulnerable animals (from www.GreaterGood.org).

 

 

Oklahoma Mission Comes to a Close

Posted by Eric Thompson, Disaster Response Director
June 4, 2013

It’s been over two weeks since communities in Oklahoma were struck with an EF-5 tornado causing wide spread damage and loss.  Most of the nation watched the storm, televised on the Weather Channel, as Moore, OK was hit.  Within the 40 minutes of disbelief that we were witnessing the loss of human and animal life as the tornado raged on, national animal welfare leader’s from the National Animal Rescue and Sheltering Coalition (NARSC) were already on the phone coordinating help. As a founding member of NARSC, Code 3 mobilized and stood ready to assist with any requests for help from Oklahoma authorities or animal welfare partners. 

In cooperation with ASPCA, OK Humane, AHA and SCART; Code 3 provided two shelter support teams to the animal shelter located at the fairgrounds in Norman, OK, in addition to a shelter support team and BART, which was used as a command post and reunification center at OK Humane. BART proved to be a remarkable resource as we carried in shelter supplies that were distributed to all of the shelters that needed aid. 

PetSmart Charities stepped up to assist Code 3 in our efforts and restocked BART to make sure we continued to be a distribution point for future supplies to those who needed them.  Thank You PetSmart Charities for everything! 

Code 3 teams provided care and logistical support to over 150 animals between the two shelters; and were blessed to help with many reunifications of owners and lost beloved pets.  So often, Code 3 staff and grateful pet owners referred to their animals as “kids” and members of the family.  Watching the tearful reunions and sharing those emotional hugs as families were finally back together reminded us of why we do what we do. 

Thank you so much to everyone that came together to support Code 3 Associates during this deployment.  The outpouring of generosity from animal lovers across the country and abroad keeps us rolling to pay it forward to those in need.  As the Code 3 teams continue to return home, we already are prepping supplies and resources to be ready to roll again as the need arises.  Please continue to follow us on our Facebook page, Twitter (@code3associates), and watch for upcoming trainings in your area at www.code3associates.org.

 

BART – An Integral Part of Reuniting People and Their Pets

Posted on behalf of Mike "Goose" West
May 24, 2013; Updated May 29, 2013

Code 3 Associate's BART is set up at the OK Humane Society in Oklahoma City, OK, where we continue to support OK Humane and the ASPCA in their reunitfication efforts. Our Big Animal Rescue Truck is currently serving as place for people to reunite with their pets whom they were separated from in the tornado.

 

A Heartfelt Thank You to Tony Stewart & Stewart-Haas Racing

May 29, 2013

Many, many thanks to Tony Stewart and Stewart-Haas Racing for their support of Code 3's relief efforts in Oklahoma. This weekend, look for the No. 14 Code 3 Associates "Helping Oklahoma"/Mobil 1 Chevrolet SS fielded by Stewart-Haas Racing that Tony Stewart will drive during the FedEx 400 race at Dover (Del.) International Speedway. (Photo Credit: CIA Stock Photography for True Speed Communication)

 

Many Thanks to PetSmart Charities

Posted on behalf of Eric Thompson
May 26, 2013

A Code 3 field operations team, including Eric Thompson and Angela Cornelison, left Kansas this morning heading for Moore, OK. Their trip included a stop at a PetSmart store in Tulsa, OK where local stores had collected crates for the animals housed at the temporary shelter. Many thanks to PetSmart Charities for their donation, Lori Bell of PetSmart Charities for coordinating and Petsmart store manager Eddie for his help.

After delivering the crates and touching base with those staged on BART, the field operations team will provide support to local resources and national partners on scene in the disaster area. 

 

Code 3 Team Helping Animals at the Temporary Shelter

Posted by Eric Thompson
May 25, 2013

A Code 3 team is on its way to Oklahoma to support the efforts of the American Humane Association (AHA) and Moore, OK Animal Control. They are helping at the temporary animal shelter at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds in Norman, OK. Cooperative efforts between Code 3, the Kansas State Animal Response Team (KSSART), the Sedgewick County Animal Response Team (SCART), and the Johnson County Animal Response Team (JoCART) from Kansas make helping these animals in their time of need possible. Thank you to all of our partners for your great attitudes and devotion to teamwork!

Code 3 is Working with National Partners in Moore, OK

Posted on behalf of Eric Thompson
May 24, 2013

ASPCA, IFAW, Code 3 Associates, RedRover & SAWA Assist Central OK Humane Society in Caring for Animals Displaced by Violent Tornado in Moore, Okla.

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), at the request of Central Oklahoma Humane Society (OK Humane) in Oklahoma City, Okla., has dispatched its disaster response team to assist with shelter operations as the facility experiences an influx of animals affected by the devastating tornado that hit Moore, Okla. on May 20. The ASPCA and OK Humane are also coordinating the distribution of pet food to impacted areas.

The ASPCA has enlisted the assistance of the following agencies for this joint disaster relief effort: IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) of Yarmouth Port, Mass.; Code 3 Associates Animal Disaster Response of Longmont, Colo.; and RedRover of Sacramento, Calif. Representatives from SAWA (Society of Animal Welfare Administrators) are also en route to Oklahoma Humane to lend their support.

Since the tornado, local animal control officers with the City of Oklahoma City have brought 110 lost, stray, injured or displaced pets to OK Humane where they are being assessed and cared for; that number could rise in the coming days. OK Humane has also reunited 46 pets so far with their families.

“OK Humane is very fortunate to have the ASPCA as a partner,” said Christy Counts, president and executive director of OK Humane. “We feel confident that with their assistance and support during this critical time, we will be able to provide excellent disaster response to this tragic situation.”

“We’re happy to lend a hand to Central Oklahoma Humane by providing staffing to handle the influx of animals affected by this disaster,” said Dick Green, director of disaster response for the ASPCA’s Field Investigations and Response team. “Our goal is to help make sure things run smoothly, and to see that the animals are comfortable and find their way back to their families as soon as possible.”

“In the face of overwhelming loss, IFAW is proud to be there for families separated from their beloved pets during the tornado,” said Shannon Walajtys, IFAW manager for disaster response. “We are assigning teams to help care for animals at the shelter and assist with reunifications.”

“Code 3 Associates is helping to provide care and logistical support to the animals located at OK Humane’s dedicated animal housing facility,” said Eric Thompson, director of emergency services for Code 3.  “We stand ready with additional staff and assets to provide further assistance should additional needs be identified.”

“We at RedRover are heartbroken about the devastation this tornado brought to Oklahoma. We will be assisting with the process to reunite people with their pets," said Beth Gammie, RedRover emergency services manager. "For families who have lost so much, knowing that their pets are safe means everything.”

 

Code 3 Prepares to Help in Moore, OK

Posted on behalf of Eric Thompson
May 22, 2013

Code 3 Associates is making plans to assist in Moore, OK. BART, our Big Animal Rescue Truck, is staged a few hours away from Moore, OK awaiting deployment orders to assist. Pierrette J. Shields from the Longmont Times-Call was at Code 3 headquarters as BART got on the road yesterday.

Longmont-based animal rescue group heads out to help in Moore, OK
Code 3 Associates to stage near tornado zone to await deployment order

Longmont Times Call
Story Pierrette J. Shields, Photography Greg Lindstrom

LONGMONT -- A local animal rescue group hit the road Tuesday afternoon to stage outside of Moore, Okla., to await orders to join the recovery work.

Longmont-based Code 3 Associates is a nonprofit organization that specializes in animal rescue in disaster areas. The Big Animal Rescue Truck left for Oklahoma on Tuesday to get the supplies closer to the tornado-stricken Moore community so they can respond swiftly when emergency managers issue deployment orders.

"What has happened so far is we have been in touch with Oklahoma Emergency Management and, of course, the human search and rescue takes precedence," said Eric Thompson, disaster response director for Code 3 Associates.

He was also arranging staff to join Mike "Goose" West and BART once it reaches the Moore area.

Thompson said emergency managers deployed animal rescuers to Joplin, Mo., three days after a tornado leveled much of that town in May 2011.

BART -- a 2009 White Western Star truck that tows a 53-foot converted moving van -- is supplied to sustain the team during rescue efforts, including water needs and sleeping accommodations for up to 11 people, according to the organization's web site.

Other agencies are working to raise money to help serve the tornado victims.

Patricia Demchek Billinger, spokeswoman for the Mile High Chapter of the Red Cross, said the best way to help is to offer financial support to the responding agencies. Physical donations of clothing and furniture often "pile up waist deep" at disaster sites, she said.

"People mean well, but we see it at every disaster," she said.

Often people or organizations collect goods and take them to sites, where the presence of those groups can clog roads, take up needed hotel space, and complicate the delivery of services to victims.

"It is not what people need," she said.

She added that those displaced by the tornado have nowhere to take donations.

"Across the board, emergency agencies will tell you that the best way to help is to give a financial donation," she said, adding that that money is often invested in the local economy and can help revitalize those areas.

For those who do not want to offer financial help, she suggested waiting a few days before offering physical donations to try to identify any needs. Piles of clothes or other goods are often donated back to organizations, like the Salvation Army.

If you'd like to help Code 3 Associates with disaster response and/or animal related training, you may make a secure, tax-deductible donation by visiting our donation page.

 

 

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