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PETS AND
HURRICANES
Why Pet Owners Must Plan
- Public shelters for
people will not accept pets.
- If you wait until the
last minute to evacuate, you may have no choice but to go to a public
shelter.
- If such a situation
should force you to leave pets behind, please prepare your children and
other family members for the fact that their pets may not survive or may
be irretrievably lost before you are able or permitted to return to your
home.
- There is no way to
know how long it will be before you are permitted back after the storm.
Frightened animals quickly slip out open doors, broken windows or other
damaged areas of your home opened by the storm.
- Lost pets are likely
to die from exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food and water
and on the road where they can endanger others.
- Even normally friendly
animals of different species should not be allowed together unattended
since the stress of the storm may cause distinct behavior changes.
- REMEMBER:
If you must evacuate . . . then conditions are not only unsafe for you
but unsafe for other living creatures as well!!!
Develop Your Written Plan Now
- A written DISASTER
PLAN will help you and your pets survive.
- Identify your
evacuation area and level to determine if and when you would have to
evacuate.
- If you are located in
a storm surge flood plain, the decision to evacuate will depend on the
category of the storm. Always prepare for one category higher than the
one being forecast. A hurricane often increases in strength just before
making landfall.
- Your goal should be to
evacuate to a safe location.
- Friends or relatives
in a safe area are your best choice.
- If they are unable to
house both you and your pets, arrange shelter for your pets at a
veterinarian or kennel close to your evacuation location so that you
will be able to have as much contact with them as possible. You and your
pets will fare better if you are together.
- If you plan to go to a
motel, determine in advance whether pets are welcome and what, if any,
special rules are applicable.
- Make plans well in
advance of the hurricane season for cows, horses, sheep, etc.
If You Must Evacuate
Leave Early !
- An unnecessary trip is
far better than waiting too long to leave safely!
- All animals should
have secure carriers or collapsible cages for large dogs, as well as
collars, leashes, rabies tags and owner ID tags.
- Carriers should be
large enough for the animals to stand comfortably and turn around. ID
must be on the carrier.
- Train your pets to
become familiar with their carriers ahead of time. Then the carrier will
be a secure and comforting refuge if the animal is required to live in
it for days-even weeks-after the storm.
- Before hurricane
season begins on June 1 of each year, make sure all your pets have
current immunizations and take these records with you if you must
evacuate. Photograph each of your pets prior to June 1 every year and
include these pictures with your pets' immunization records.
- Your pet survival kit
should include ample food (at least 2 weeks supply), water/food bowls,
medications, specific care instructions, newspapers and plastic trash
bags for handling waste, cat litter, brushes, combs and other hygiene
items, toys and other comfort items, muzzles if necessary.
- A manual can opener is
a necessity.
- All belongings should
be marked with identification.
- If you are not
evacuating your pets to a commercial animal facility, you should also
include first aid supplies for your pets in the survival kit.
- Ask your vet for an
emergency care pamphlet for animals.
- If you plan to shelter
your pets at a kennel or clinic, call before evacuating to determine if
space is available. Some kennels will accept reservations early with
prepaid fees.
- Allow sufficient time
to travel from the kennel to your evacuation location after making
certain that your animals are secure.
- If you have snakes or
other exotic pets, contact local pet stores or zoological gardens, in a
safe area, for assistance in sheltering your pet.
- Again, be prepared to
supply appropriate housing for the pet (not glass) and other supplies
necessary to sustain the pet for at least 2 weeks.
- The facility you
choose should be operated by knowledgeable, capable staff and the
location should be high, dry and of sturdy construction.
- Throughout the
evacuation and the storm, your pets will need reassurance from you.
- Remain calm, keep as
close to their normal routine as possible and speak to them regularly in
a calm, reassuring voice.
- If you must evacuate
without time to prepare your pet, Animal Control will house your pet.
This space is limited and should be ONLY a last resort.
If You Can Stay At Home
- It is just as
important to adequately plan for your pets even if you don't have to
evacuate.
- Carriers, collars with
proper ID and leashes should be maintained for your pets at all times.
- Your pets will be most
comfortable and secure in their carriers in a safe area of your home
until the storm has passed.
- If they are not
secured during the storm and your house is damaged, your pets may escape
and become disoriented, since normal landmarks and scent trails could be
obliterated.
- If your pets become
lost, proper ID will ensure their return to you.
- Place your pet food
and medications in watertight containers in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Store adequate water
for your pet.
- Your water source may
become contaminated. (To purify water, add 2 drops of household bleach
per quart of water, mix, seal tightly, let stand for 30 minutes before
drinking.)
- If you bring plants
into the home before a storm, be careful not to allow pets access to
them since many ornamental plants are poisonous
After The Storm
- Walk your pets on a
leash until they become reoriented to their home.
- CAUTION: Downed power
lines and other debris pose real dangers to you and your pets.
- Do not allow pets to
consume food or water which may have become contaminated.
- Be particularly
careful in using candles or oil lamps around pets. Never leave them unattended.
- When you know you have
done everything you can do to protect all members of the family,
disaster preparedness will give you tremendous peace of mind.
Next page – more info
for helping non-domesticated animals
*adapted from Nassau
County, S.C. website.
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