Are You Prepared To Protect your Pets in Disaster?

[Shadowlands]

In light of yesterday's Virginia earthquake and the impending Hurricane Irene, it's essential that pet owners are prepared to protect their pets when disaster strikes. The first thing you need to do is construct a disaster plan, in which you list everything that will need to be done once the weatherman predicts a possible disaster.

Disaster plan

Where do you live? Consider the types of natural disasters that frequent your area and plan accordingly.

Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods

Rule of thumb: If it's not safe for you to remain in your home during a disaster, it's not safe for your pet!


•Contact hotels and accomodations outside your immediate area to determine where you (and your pet) can flee to in case of an emergency. Does the hotel/motel allow pets? Is there a size, breed, or weight restriction?
•Arrange with a family member to shelter you and/or your pets if you need to leave your home. Make sure this person is well aware of the specific personality traits of your pet and all that would be required in caring for him or her.
•Prepare a list of boarding facilities or kennels that could take your pet in during a crisis. How much notice do you need to give them?
•Call ahead and take notes on multiple places that can take in your pet. This way they'll be easily accessible if the time comes to use them.
•If you are remaining in your home, make sure to clear any potentially dangerous items from the room you'll be taking shelter in. Look for heavy objects and items on shelves that can fly off or fall on you or your pets.


If you're not home, you'll need access to all the items your pet requries. Prepare a portable kit that you can grab in the event of a disaster:

•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 prevent escape
•Current photos of your pets in case they get lost
•Food, lots of portable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener. Tip: feeding your pets moist or wet food can reduce their need for water.
•Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian
•Pet beds and toys
•A list of important phone numbers to call if your pet needs help
Identification

One of the most important facets of the preparation is to make sure your pet has proper identification. Animals can easily become frightened during earthquakes or hurricanes, and could try to make a run for it. If that happens, the best way to recover your pet is via the collar and nametag secured around his or her neck. This is essential for cats as well as dogs. Another great idea is to get your pet microchipped, a permanent identification solution.

After the storm

•Debris, broken glass, and other hazards could likely be scattered around the area after a disaster strikes. Be sure to check out the path your pet will be taking and clear the area of any dangerous items.
•If you've been limiting food intake for your pets during a disaster, make sure to reintroduce regular servings slowly.
•Keep your pets indoors as much as possible to prevent them from encountering any unfamiliar or dangerous territory that resulted from the disaster.
•Remember that pets' behavior can temporarily change after a disaster, including uncustomary aggression or defensiveness toward you or other pets. Give them time to de-stress and return to normal, but keep a watchful eye on them after the storm.

www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-philadelphia/are-you-prepared-to-protect-your-pets-during-a-disaster

[Shadowlands]

Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, 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.

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.
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.

Know What to do When 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 petsitting 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.

When you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines.

Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.
About Other Pets

Birds
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.

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.

www.wral.com/lifestyles/pets/story/1435179/

[Shadowlands]

To order a FREE Pet Safety Pack from the ASPCA please click on the following link.

www.aspca.org/about-us/free-aspca-stuff/free-pet-safety-pack.aspx

[daynieto]

thank you for that info Sandy .

[Shadowlands]

You are welcome.

[RavenAndDamon]

Thanks love

[HEXE- TINA]

Thanks

[breesmom]

Great info Sandy!! Thank you

[damasyn]

Great reminder. At home I have a safety/medical kit and also in all of my vehicles, I carry a mini medical kit and extra food, leash and collar.

[Shadowlands]

I also have a couple first-aid kits in the van. One for people and one specifically for animals. Lol!!