Wildfires in France and Spain: Experts on Animal Evacuations, Disaster Recovery and Public Health | Newswise
Wildfires burning across parts of France and Spain are forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate amid extreme heat and dry conditions. University of Delaware experts can address several aspects of the ongoing crisis, including the impacts on people who own animals or pets; how vulnerable communities navigate evacuations and recovery; and the effects of wildfire smoke on public health and health care systems. Those experts, from UD’s Disaster Research Center, include: Sarah DeYo
Wildfires burning across parts of France and Spain are forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate amid extreme heat and dry conditions. University of Delaware experts can address several aspects of the ongoing crisis, including the impacts on people who own animals or pets; how vulnerable communities navigate evacuations and recovery; and the effects of wildfire smoke on public health and health care systems. Those experts, from UD’sDisaster Research Center, include:Sarah DeYoung, professor of sociology and criminal justice:How people are forced to make split-second decisions involving horses, livestock and companion animals during fast-moving wildfires. Why some owners must turn animals loose when evacuation time is limited. Lessons from past disasters and animal rescue research. Jennifer Trivedi, assistant professor of anthropology:The unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations during wildfires. Complications surrounding evacuation decision-making and evacuation needs. Long-term recovery following catastrophic disasters. Jennifer Horney, chair of UD’s Department of Epidemiology:Health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure, including respiratory infections. How wildfire smoke and airborne pollutants affect population health. The strain major wildfires can place on public health and health care systems. To arrange an interview with any of these experts, send an email to[email protected].