Your Rancho Coastal Humane Society is hosting the Red Cross Shelter of HOPE

Red Cross Shelter of Hope

Emergency preparedness for people and pets, what to do following a disaster, and services available to the public will be the focus when the American Red Cross (ARC) of San Diego / Imperial Counties “Shelter of HOPE” visits your Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS) at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas this Wednesday, May 3rd from 8 AM until Thursday morning. As a part of the demonstration RCHS spokesman John Van Zante and his dog, Jake, will spend the night in the Shelter of HOPE.

“Each year the Shelter of HOPE, which stands for ‘Helping Open People’s Eyes,’ celebrates the services that the American Red Cross of San Diego / Imperial Counties provides during emergencies,” says Van Zante. “This is the first time that we’re hosting the Shelter at the Shelter. It’s scheduled to arrive at 8:00 Wednesday morning. Set up takes about an hour. My dog, Jake, and I will be moving in around 9:00.”

Throughout the day the Shelter of HOPE will be filled with RCHS and ARC staff members and volunteers along with anyone in the community who wants to learn about disaster preparedness and the services available during times of emergency.

The Red Cross will teach visitors how to build pet preparedness kits and help them download the free American Red Cross “Pet First Aid” application on their cell phones. It’s quick access information that can save the lives of pets during emergencies.

Van Zante adds, “I haven’t told Jake, yet, that we’ll be sleeping in the shelter on Wednesday night. On Thursday morning the Shelter of HOPE will move to a new location. I’m sure Jake won’t mind. The Shelter of HOPE is set up to provide all the necessities that someone would need if they were evacuated during an emergency.”

Guests are encouraged to visit the shelter, learn about disaster preparedness for people and pets, and meet animals available for adoption. You don’t need a pet. Parents are encouraged to bring their children when they visit the Shelter of HOPE.

For more information about the Shelter of HOPE visit www.redcross.org/local/california/san-diego
For more information about Rancho Coastal Humane Society call 760-753-6413, visit the shelter at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, or log on to www.sdpets.org.