Animals and Emergencies: Real-Life Chaos, Companion Pets, and Disaster Preparedness

What happens when emergencies involve your pets or animals? In this lively and unfiltered episode of The Alerting Authority, hosts Eddie Bertola and Jeannette Sutton bring in their pets—complete with roaming goats, curious cats, and plenty of unexpected moments—to explore the critical role animals play in disasters.Joined by Dr. Sarah DeYoung, an expert in disaster research and companion animals, the conversation dives into how pets, livestock, and even exotic animals impact evacuation decisions, emergency messaging, and public safety outcomes. From goats knocking over cameras to cats hiding during evacuations, this episode blends humor with powerful insights on preparedness, warning systems, and real-world challenges.You’ll learn: How animals influence human decision-making during emergencies  Why early warnings are essential for households with pets and livestock  The hidden risks of evacuating (or not evacuating) with animals  Practical preparedness tips for pet owners and emergency managers  The emotional and psychological impact of losing animals in disasters  How organizations and policies are evolving to support animal safety Plus, hear firsthand stories from the field—including hurricane evacuations, wildfire impacts, and the chaos of managing animals in real-time.🎙️ Sponsored by HQE Systems – providing integrated alerting and notification solutions to help emergency managers simplify complex communication during crises.Whether you're an emergency manager, pet owner, or just love animals, this episode offers valuable insights into making communities safer—for both people and the animals they care about.