HURRICANE
Are Your Pets Prepared?
The separation or loss of a pet can have a
profound impact on a family! We should make every effort to insure our pets are
safe and with us. A written disaster plan, particularly in households with pets
can lessen a disaster's impact and save lives!
Advanced
planning is essential and could save your pet(s) life and the best recommended
plan is to take your pet with you when and if you have to evacuate. REMEMBER-
Public Shelters Do Not Allow Pets!
All
facilities in a disaster area may be subject to some degree of damage or
flooding. If you are thinking of boarding your pet, consider the difficulties of
providing a healthy environment without electricity, running water, plus limited
supplies and personnel! What provisions does the boarding facility have? Where
is it?
BEFORE A
STORM EMERGENCY
Advance
Planning Is Essential
It Could Save Your Pet's Life
You Do Not Have To Jeopardize Your Lives
For Your Pet's)
When You Are Prepared !!!
· Acquire a pet carrier or cage for EACH dog, cat, bird or
small animal. Make sure it is large enough for each pet to comfortably stand up
and turn around inside. Exceptions can be made to house more than one animal per
carrier but DO NOT mix different animal species together. Frightened animals may
exhibit behavior changes.
· Take time to familiarize your pet in the carrier or crate
until it feels secure and comfortable in it.
· Vaccinate your pet by June 1. Consult your veterinarian
for the necessary vaccinations for each pet. Healthy pets have a greater chance
of surviving the stresses of a storm. Infectious diseases can become a BIG
threat following a disaster. Rabies exists in the wildlife and without proper
precautions is fatal to people and animals.
· Provide Identification! The better animals are identified,
the greater the chances of reuniting them to their original rightful owners.
Current license and rabies tags on a properly fitted collar, by micro-chipping
or tattooing. Using more than one ID can improve the odds. Consider placing an
ID tag with an out-of-state contact name & address along with your local
information on its collar. Don't forget to place ID on the carriers!
· Photos! Take clear, color photos (frontal, left and right
sides) and store with your pet's license, health records and ownership papers in
a waterproof carrier to take with you.
Make Your
Pet Emergency Kit
· Carrier or portable kennel for each pet.
· Pet ownership, registration, photos, health papers
· A leash and properly fitted collars/harness to restrain each
pet
· Non-spill food and water dishes
· Water in non-breakable containers, 14 day supply (double what
your pet consumes on an average day)
· Food supply (14 day) and manual can opener
· Special medications, dosage and care instructions
· Grooming equipment and hygiene items
· Toys, blankets and special comfort items
· Cleanser and disinfectant to properly handle wastes
· Newspapers/litter, scooper, plastic bags for wastes
· Pet First Aid Kit
PET FIRST
AID KIT
· HEMOSTAT or TWEEZERS for grabbing onto things like sticks,
thorns, ticks, or anything else that may be caught in your pet's mouth or skin.
· THERMOMETER (normal temp in dogs and cats is 101 to 102
degrees F). A low temperature can indicate a very sick animal or hypothermia. In
either case it is very important to warm the animal. A high temp can indicate
infection or hyperthermia. Temps above 106 or 107 degrees can cause brain
damage.
· SCISSORS to cut tape, gauze and to clip hair around wounds.
· GAUZE PADS AND ROLL OF GAUZE to clean, cover and cushion
injuries. The rolled gauze can be used for tourniquet or muzzle
· ADHESIVE TAPE or sticky bandage or roll of Vet Wrap
· IODINE PREP SOLUTION. Antiseptic solution for cleansing
wounds or burns.
· ALCOHOL PREP PADS Used to clean scissors, tweezers and
hands. (Do not use on wounds)
· TRIPLE ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT Inhibits bacterial growth in cuts
and abrasions. Promotes wound healing
· STYPTIC POWDER This is most useful for stopping bleeding
caused by torn toenails
· BENADRYL Works well in reducing allergic reactions to insect
bites. These reactions can be serious if a pet is stung in the mouth, since swelling
could block the windpipe. Please check with your Vet before using for the right
dosage
· RESCUE REMEDY (give 2 drops on tongue every 5-15 mins. in
case of shock. This can be used any time an animal is stressed.
· 325 mg BUFFERED ASPIRIN Please check with your vet for
correct dosage. Used for reducing inflammation from sore muscles or joints.
TYLENOL IS POISONOUS TO CATS. Check with your vet before giving any meds. You
may tape the correct dosages for your pet inside the first aid kit.
· BLANKET Animals often go into shock when injured. A blanket
will help keep them warm
WHEN A
STORM THREATENS
· Bring
your pet indoors when a hurricane warning is declared. Reassure your pet
with a soothing manner and voice. Remember your pets can feel your stress and
emotional state.
· Do not leave a dog with a cat even if they are normally
friendly with each other. The storm can alter animal behavior and instincts will
override any training.
· If you must evacuate, take your pet and the emergency kit along with you. If it is unsafe for you to remain, it is unsafe for your
pet as well.
· When a tropical storm is named, call ahead and make
reservations at a motel/hotel located away from coastal and river areas. Ask the
number of pets allowed and fees. Some motels/hotels will change their policies
and accept pets in an emergency situation, but call ahead first.
After The
Disaster
Provide a Safe Environment! Clear an area free of
debris. Use restraint measures to limit animals to "clean" areas and
prevent injury to your animals (leashes, fencing). Spoiled foods need to be
stored in durable plastic bags (eg. 4 mil plastic bags) or containers until
trash pickup resumes. Bleach sprinkled over spoiled food can help reduce odors.
Domestic and wild animals will be confused because of the loss of their territorial
markers. They will be attracted to poorly discarded food, potentially becoming a
threat to family and pets or becoming ill themselves.
IF You
Must Leave Your Pet
If for some unfortunate reason you must leave your
pet. Please provide enough food and water out for a couple of days in a high
place that your pets can reach. Don't forget to leave your cat a litter box.
This should also be up high. In the case of flooding you should also leave a
blanket or something similar on your roof. This will provide your pets a place
to sit/lay to prevent paws from burning on the roof material until help can
arrive.
If your pet is hurt or lost, listen to emergency
broadcasts for the ANIMAL HOT LINE. Special community Bulletin Boards for animal
relief information will be posted, when possible, during times of severely
limited communications in your area.
National
Lost Pet Hotline 1-900-535-1515
National Found Hot Line 1-800-755-8111