New Leash On Life would like to give back to the community which so generously helped it to recover after floods on May 1, 2010 prompted an evacuation of the non-profit organization's animal adoption center and caused flood damage to buildings and supplies.

New Leash On Life has partnered with the Pedigree Foundation to offer assistance to flood victims and others in need of assistance with pet food.

Pedigree donated 1,000 lbs. of Pedigree dog food to New Leash On Life as part of their push to gain 1 million fans on Facebook. Thanks to Facebook fans, Pedigree has donated 1 million bowls of food to shelter animals across the country. The food donated to New Leash On Life will be distributed to pet owners affected by the flood as well as other groups helping flood animals, including Hickman Humane Society, Country K-9 Rescue and Lighthouse Refuge and Rehabilitation.

One bag of Pedigree dog food per family will be distributed beginning Friday, June 4 for as long as supplies last at the Almost Home Pet Adoption Center, located at 507 Jim Draper Blvd. in Lebanon. Distribution hours are Sunday from noon until 4:45 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. with the exception of Wednesday, when the facility is closed to the public.

For more information, please call 615-444-1144.

Residents in the disaster-designated counties affected by recent storms and flooding are urged to be careful of scams during recovery efforts.

"Unfortunately, some people prey on others, taking advantage of their misfortunes," said Gracia B. Szczech, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Federal Coordinating Officer in charge of the recovery efforts. "We urge disaster survivors to be especially careful."

In a typical scheme, someone pretends to be employed by FEMA or other government agencies, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). A FEMA or SBA shirt, jacket or hat is not proof of someone's affiliation with these agencies. Authorized personnel wear a laminated photo identification card at all times.

Imposters may ask for some form of payment or a bribe. FEMA-contracted housing inspectors assess damage but do not determine cost estimates. They do not hire or endorse specific contractors to fix homes or recommend repairs.

Consumers should know that a Social Security or bank account number will only be requested on the first phone call the applicant makes to 800-621-FEMA (3362). Online registration at www.DisasterAssistance.gov is also secure. On any follow-up calls, a FEMA representative may ask for only the last four digits of a Social Security number.

Anyone who notices suspicious activity in his or her neighborhood or who suspects that someone is trying to commit fraud by going door-to-door or by making contact by phone or mail should immediately contact the local police.

Tennesseans who suspect anyone of committing disaster fraud, whether as a contractor, inspector or even a disaster survivor offering to do work-for-hire, or who suspect someone is posing as any of these, either in person or on the phone or on the Internet, should call the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs toll-free at 800-342-8385.