Explosion damages homes, sparks fire in Ewing Twp., New Jersey

This isn't far from where I live/work. Very sad and I hope no one was home and that everyone pets are okay.
Explosion damages homes, sparks fire in Ewing Twp., New Jersey

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From the linked article:

" 'It's real difficult. It's real difficult. We don't know. We tried to go. I still got a dog. I couldn't even go pick up my dog,' said Robert Johnson. "

If I got to the "secure perimeter" and told the authorities that my child is home, alone, in the "danger zone", I assume that I would be allowed to get him/her, no?

I DO understand that by some objective measurements, a pet's life can be seen as "less valuable" than a human being. I really do. For many people and families, though, a pet is a significant companion--whose "value" is not easily placed in a "rational" hierarchy.

If I were unable to get back to my dog in disaster situation, I think I might lose my mind.

I can understand that emergency personnel may balk at risking their own lives to accompany someone to retrieve their dog, but why is it not possible for a pet Owner to formally accept responsibility for their own safety in order to go home and get their dog/cat/etc.??

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Updated On: 3/5/14 at 12:43 AM