Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, hazardous material spills--disasters can strike any time, anywhere. But with preparation and planning, your family--including your pets--can be protected. The Disaster Response Team of The Humane Society of the United States
THE HSUS/CASEY PLAN
If You Evacuate, Take Your Pets
The single most important thing that you can do to protect your pets if you evacuate is to take your pets with you! If it's not safe for you to stay in the disaster area, it's not safe for your pets.
Animals left behind in a disaster can easily get injured, lost or killed. Animals left inside your home can escape through broken windows or other storm-damaged areas of your home, and animals turned loose to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents. Leaving dogs tied or chained outside in a disaster is a death sentence!
Once you leave your home, you have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area. If you leave, even if you think you may only be gone for a few hours, take your animals.
Leave early--don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order. An unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to leave safely with your pets. If you must be evacuated by emergency officials, you may be told to leave your pets behind.
Don't Forget I.D.
Your pets should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. It's a good idea to include a phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area.
Find a Safe Place
Because evacuation shelters generally don't accept pets, except for service animals, you must plan ahead to ensure that your family and your pets will have a safe place to stay. Don't wait until disaster strikes to do your research.
Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Keep a list of "pet-friendly" places handy. Call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home.
Ask friends, relatives or others outside your immediate area if they would shelter you and your animals, or just your animals, if necessary. If you have more than one pet, be prepared to house them separately.
Make a list of veterinarians and boarding facilities who might shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour phone numbers.
Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. This should be your last resort, as shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency.
Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets
Every member of your family should know what he needs to take when you evacuate. You also need to prepare supplies for your pet. Stock up on non-perishables well ahead of time; add perishable items at the last minute; have everything ready to go at a moment's notice. Keep everything accessible, stored in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.).
Store medications and medical records in a waterproof container and prepare a pet first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also good to include.
Have sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can't escape. (Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time.)
Keep current photos of your pet for identification in case your pet gets lost.
Other items you will need are food, water, bowls, cat litter and litter box, and a manually-operated can opener. Pet beds and toys may be taken. Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, and household bleach.
Prepare an information sheet on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
If You Don't Evacuate
If your family and pets must wait out a storm or other disaster at home, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers and make sure they are wearing identification. Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers along with your other emergency supplies. If you need to purify water, add 2 drops of household bleach per quart of water, mix, seal tightly, and let stand for 30 minutes before drinking.
In Case You're Not Home
An evacuation order may come or a disaster may strike when you're at work or out of the house. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be able to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. If so, be sure that the person is comfortable with your pets, knows where your animals are likely to be, knows where your disaster supplies are kept, and has a key to your home. If you use a petsitting service, they may be able to help but discuss the possibility well in advance.
After the Storm
Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented--pets can easily get lost in such situations. Walk dogs on a leash and keep cats inside (or in carriers, if your house is damaged and they could escape). Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible. Be ready for behavioral problems that may result from stress. If problems persist or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to a veterinarian.
If You Can Not Take Your Pet with You
If you cannot take your pet with you, make sure your pet can get into a safe, secure room without windows but with adequate air (like a big bathroom). Leave enough food for three days. Leaving enough water for your pet is very important. One pet can drink several gallons of water a day. Put water in containers that are not easily knocked over. Leave a faucet dripping into a bathtub or sink (with the drain open!). Leave their favorite bed and toys. Don’t confine dogs and cats in the same space. Put a notice on your front door saying where your pets are in the house and a phone number where you will be. Never, never, never leave your dog tied up outside!
Article by: Sallie S.
Article by: Sallie S.
