CDART members Charlie Fisher and Jim Tompkins present three pet oxygen masks to Willowbrook Fire Chief Brad Fossett.
Photo contributed
The Oliver area is in the process of training a number of volunteers to help with pet and livestock evacuations during times of emergency.
CDART (Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team) has many chapters throughout BC and has been recognized by the Provincial Emergency Program to be the call-out organization of choice when circumstances arise that require the evacuation and care of animals during times of crisis.
CDART Okanagan volunteers raised money through various fundraisers in order to purchase pet oxygen masks for the fire trucks in the communities we serve. These kits include three different sizes and can help resuscitate an animal, especially animals in structure fires. They are small enough to be able to be kept on fire trucks and then can be used in conjunction with oxygen from the paramedics.
CDART is a non-profit group of specially trained volunteers who saw the need for a Canadian animal response team after “Firestorm 2003.”
On an individual basis, each member of a local CDART team is someone who has respect for all animals, including humans. They have a strong desire to assist their community during a disaster.
The newly formed Oliver team has members from Oliver, Osoyoos and as far away as Rock Creek. In September, we will begin monthly meetings in Oliver for further training, in the same building that Oliver/Osoyoos Search and Rescue uses for their meetings.
Anna-Maria Robinson
Special to the Chronicle
