|
Our
pets are a very important part of our lives. They are oftentimes
considered to be a part of our immediate family. They depend on
us for their safety and well-being. Here's how you can be prepared
to protect your pets when disaster strikes.
Be
Prepared with a Disaster Plan
The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster
is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must
include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.
Different
disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster
is a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your
home.
In
the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important
thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too.
Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for
them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse.
So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave
your home.
1.
Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets
Red Cross disaster shelters cannot
accept pets because of states' health and safety regulations and
other considerations. Service animals who assist people with disabilities
are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult,
if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst
of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes
to do your research.
-Contact
hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies
on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species.
Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency.
Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including
phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If
you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.
-Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected
area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more
than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but
be prepared to house them separately.
-Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians
who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour
phone numbers.
-Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency
shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters
may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as
well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your
last resort.
2. Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll
need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store
them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags,
covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit
should include:
-Medications
and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a first
aid kit.
-Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport
pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.
-Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
-Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can
opener.
-Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions,
behavior problems, and the name
and number of your veterinarian in case you have
to foster or board your pets.
-Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
3. Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches
Often, warnings are issued hours, even
days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect
your pet.
-Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements
for you and your pets.
-Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready
to take at a moment's notice.
-Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have
to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
-Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and
securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone
number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it,
or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can
buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your
pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.
-You may not be home when the evacuation order comes.
Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take
your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should
be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are
likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is
kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a pet sitting
service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility
well in advance.
Planning
and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly
and safely. But bear in mind that animals react differently under
stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed.
Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere
they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try
to escape, or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give
your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your
veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.
Caring
for Birds in an Emergency
Birds should be transported in a secure
travel cage or carrier. In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the
carrier and warm up the car before placing birds inside. During
warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the birds' feathers periodically.
Do not put water inside the carrier during transport. Provide a
few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content.
Have a photo for identification and leg bands. If the carrier does
not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently.
Try to keep the carrier in a quiet area. Do not let the birds out
of the cage or carrier.
About
Other Pets
Reptiles
Snakes can be transported in a pillowcase but they must be transferred
to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site. If your
snakes require frequent feedings, carry food with you. Take a water
bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad. When transporting
house lizards, follow the same directions as for birds.
Pocket
Pets
Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in
secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered.
Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.
A
Final Word
If you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. Evacuate
them to a prearranged safe location if they cannot stay with your
during the evacuation period. (remember, pets are not allowed in
Red Cross shelters.) If there is a possibility that disaster may
strike while you are out of the house, there are precautions you
can take to increase your pets' chances of survival, but they are
not a substitute for evacuating with your pets. For more information,
contact The Humane Society of the United States, Disaster Services,
2100 L Street NW, Washington, DC 20037.
All
information obtained from American
Red Cross and the
Humane Society of the U.S.
|
