THANKS to everyone for the overwhelming offers of support to help with the impending oil spill on the coast. In order to help Audubon and the many other groups trying to coordinate this effort, please consider the following:
First, you should NOT attempt to go to the beaches and marshes to help rescue animals that may have been oiled. This is dangerous to both YOU and the animal. Oil is toxic and without proper protective gear, you put yourself in danger. As for the animals, without training in how to capture and transport them, you may do more harm than good. Trained folks will do that job. The same is true for beach and marsh cleanup, proper gear is needed, as well as training on how to do this safely and effectively.
Please use the following links to volunteer opportunities and other sources of information. If you have a facebook account please friend the Pascagoula River Audubon Center for addtional information and updates.
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If you are interested in general volunteering go to www.OilSpillVolunteers.com
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OR call 1-866-448-5816
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If you want to report injured wildlife call 1-866-557-1401
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If you are interested in volunteering to be trained in oiled bird recovery if needed (washing oiled birds), go to http://www.audubonaction.org/spillresponse
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For answers to questions about the spill, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency will open a call center 866-920-MEMA (6362) on Saturday (noon to 6 p.m.) and from Monday on, 8 to 6 p.m.
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If you own a boat and are interested in helping, please call "vessels of oppurtunity" @ 281-366-5511
Please be aware that Audubon is only assisting with registration of volunteers and will not conduct training directly. If and when training is scheduled, you will be contacted directly by those entities responsible for training.
PLEASE be patient as we all try to come to grips with this unfortunate incident. As frustrating as it is, SAFETY is paramount for both humans and wildlife.
PLEASE also know how much Audubon appreciates your enthusiasm for protecting wildlife. As you know, Audubon has been, and will continue to be, committed to the coast. We were here before this occurred, we will be here as this unfolds, and we will be here when it over. We need and appreciate your commitment in the long term to do what we can, come what may. Don’t loose faith, and hope for the best!
For our part, THANK YOU.
