Avalon Receives Major Award During NJLOM Convention

AVALON — Avalon received one of three 2013 Innovation in Governance awards presented at the New Jersey League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City. The award was presented at the Sheraton Hotel during the annual mayor’s luncheon. It was accepted by Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi and by councilmembers Dr. Nancy Hudanich, Chuck Covington, and Dave Ellenberg.
The Innovation in Governance Award was presented by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs during the luncheon. Avalon received the award for its design, construction, and implementation of the Avalon Pet Evacuation Trailer. The trailer was designed in order to overcome objections from residents who would not safely evacuate their homes during severe storm events including blizzards and hurricanes.
“Avalon became aware of the need for this mobile pet shelter during a major blizzard in February, 2010,” Pagliughi said. “During the storm, I personally carried a man out of his home who had no heat or electricity. He didn’t want to leave his pet behind so we brought both him and his pet to our firehouse. Immediately after the storm we began exploring the creation of the first municipal mobile pet shelter in the State of New Jersey”.
During the localized evacuation during the blizzard, residents and their pets were cared for at the Avalon Volunteer Fire Department. More than a dozen dogs and cats were cared for with their owners, along with other evacuees. Avalon obtained a pre-owned truck trailer in and met with local veterinarians to help design the pet evacuation trailer. The Avalon Department of Public Works built the trailer and it was used successfully during a town-wide evacuation during Hurricane Sandy in Oct., 2012. The trailer includes pet cages, a veterinary work station, climate control, a shower, and refrigeration for any medicines.
“American Red Cross shelters do not accept pets due to liability issues”, Pagliughi said. “During Hurricane Katrina, dozens of people died when residents stayed in their homes to take care of their pets. This pet evacuation trailer is mobile and can be used next to our firehouse for localized evacuations, or driven to Avalon’s designated shelter in Cumberland County so pet owners can be safe and take care of their pets at the same time.”
The trailer was completely funded through donations courtesy of sponsors and Avalon residents and was constructed at no cost to Avalon taxpayers. The Avalon Pet Evacuation Trailer is now listed in the inventory of assets by the New Jersey State Police
For more information on the Avalon Pet Evacuation Trailer, please visit the Borough’s emergency management website www.avalonemergency.org.