Keep pets in mind when disaster planning
Strong storms can barrel through a location with tremendous force, obliterating homes in the process. The prospect of a natural disaster often forces people to take inventory of their lives and make decisions about what items to protect and how to prepare for the inevitability of an approaching threat. When making disaster preparedness plans, pet owners need to factor in care of their companion animals.
Many people refuse to leave pets behind. However, faced with the prospect of an impending storm or other calamity, pet owners may not know where to turn when it comes to caring for pets. Some inevitably stay behind after disaster evacuations have been issued with the fear pets may not be allowed in shelters or could be turned away from hotels. This can put homeowners, pets and rescue workers at risk for greater injury. Knowing how to behave during a disaster, and caring for a pet in the process, can assist with keeping everyone safe.
* Know your options. People who live in particularly vulnerable areas, like those prone to wildfires or coastal flooding, should map out a disaster plan. This plan will spell out what everyone in the home will do in the event an evacuation is needed or if you need to stay put with the potential for utility interruption. While some shelters are not pet-friendly, many are. The Red Cross has a network of Pet Disaster Shelters where pet owners can turn. Finding one may require a bit more travel, but it could offer peace of mind.
* Keep medical records handy. Have an extra copy of pets’ veterinary records in case of disaster. Keep important papers in a waterproof container. Should you need to go to a shelter, staff may request proof of vaccinations. Dogs usually need to be up-to-date on distemper/parovirus, rabies and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines. Cats will need distemper, feline leukemia and rabies shots in most cases.
* Create an emergency supply kit. Have extra food and water on hand for pets just in case you are stranded at home or need to go to a shelter. Store three to four days’ worth of food and water in sealed containers. Take stock of any medications that pets take on a routine basis. Pack comfort items, such as toys or blankets, that have a familiar smell so that pets will be less skittish. Place these items with your own emergency supplies.
* Find pet-friendly lodging options. Many hotels allow pets overnight stays for a nominal security fee. Know which hotels will accept companion animals and include their contact information in your preparedness kit. Should the moment arise when you need to vacate to a hotel, you will know which motels to call first.
* Ensure your pet’s identification is current. Dogs and cats should wear identification tags that include a mobile telephone number. Should the animal become lost, anyone can reach you regardless of your current location. Also, update contact information on the online database that corresponds to a pet’s imbedded microchip if it has one.
* Take a first-aid class. It is important to know how to treat pet injuries during natural disasters. By learning CPR for a dog or cat, you may be able to save the life of your pet should disaster strike. Similarly, stock a first aid kit with necessary pet supplies.
* Have a contingency plan. Speak with friends and family members and make arrangements for someone to care for your pet if you will be displaced for quite some time. It can relieve stress for the animal and also give you peace of mind that your cherished companion is being well cared for.
More information is available at www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/pets.