Every year we see natural disasters such as floods and bushfires occur within this State, so with many people in the greyhound industry living in rural and regional areas it is important that everyone has a proper emergency plan for their kennels.
On this page you will find:
- Emergency planning tips
Have an Emergency Plan
Every year we see natural disasters such as floods and bushfires occur within this State, so with many people in the greyhound industry living in rural and regional areas it is important that everyone has a proper emergency plan for their kennels. In the last few years we’ve seen that even if you live on the urban fringe or in the suburbs, there is still a very real risk of those areas being prone to bushfire, and freaks of weather have seen flooding in places that have not usually been prone to flooding before.
Participants are encouraged to prepare an emergency plan that covers the major disasters which have the potential to impact on your family, including your Greyhounds. Discuss your plan, record it, and practice it with your family or housemates. Place your plan somewhere prominent – on the fridge or by the front door. For further information on Emergency Planning, please visit the Country Fire Authority website for guidance on developing a bushfire survival plan, here or the Department of Economic Development Jobs Transport and Resources website here.
Prepare your property to reduce the risk of fire affecting areas where your greyhounds are kept. Keep grass cut low around kennel areas and in days yards or runs. Remove all garden waste and rubbish that can increase fire risk.
Ensure your Greyhounds always have a water supply that will last them several days, even if you expect to be home that evening. Water containers must be unspillable.
Choose a trusted neighbour, family member or friend and give them a key to your house in case they need to access your Greyhounds. Make sure this person is comfortable and familiar with your Greyhounds. Keep this person’s contact details with you at all times.
Prepare a list of preferred boarding kennels, animal shelters, or friends that would be prepared to temporarily house and care for your greyhounds in case of an emergency. Your local Greyhound Club may also be able to assist you finding temporary accommodation for your Greyhounds in the event of an emergency.
Your local council is also a good contact point for information on emergency planning and preparedness. Check their website for more information such as the location of relief centres.
Ensure your greyhounds are identified with a visible marker such as a collar. Make sure your contact details are on FastTrack (include an alternative contact number in case you can’t be reached).
Ensure your greyhound has an up to date C5 vaccination (and you have the certificates), in case they need to be admitted to a boarding facility or shelter.
The safest option for people and animals in bushfire prone areas is to leave early on high fire risk days. On a Code Red bushfire day, leave the night before or early in the morning. Late evacuation can be a deadly option.
In the event of an emergency, you may have to leave your property at very short notice. An emergency kit will ensure you have everything needed to care for your greyhounds. GRV have prepared the attached EMERGENCY PLANNING CHECKLIST, click here to download the PDF.