Hurricane Safety for Animals

The 2006 hurricane season has arrived. Not just in the Southeast, but the Northeast coast is long overdue for a powerful hurricane, and with the weather patterns in the oceans, the likelihood of a major storm making landfall in the Northeast, is not a question of if, but when. Sure, you read the same stuff every year about how to prepare, but would you really know what to do to keep your animals safe and sound if a monster storm was approaching your town? Here are some tips that simply bear repeating.

BEFORE THE STORM

Prepare a hurricane kit for your pets to include:

1. Secure pet carriers for cats and small dogs and sturdy leashes/harnesses for larger dogs and appropriate crates or cages for other type pets such as reptiles, birds, etc.
2. Place medications and medic al records, including proof of current vaccinations, in a waterproof container.
3. Check and see if your vet provides something like a laminated card with proof of current vaccinations at each annual visit which can be used at motels and hotels in case evacuation is necessary.
4. A two week supply of any medication your pet may be taking on a regular basis and familiar food and water. Also take bowls and a manual can opener.
5. Cat litter/pan, extra litter and a litter scooper.
6. An information sheet including: medical conditions and treatment schedule if needed, feeding instructions, name and phone number of your vet or a kennel outside your area in case you need to board your pets ? an arrangement which is, of course, not going to be your first choice. Trust us, it's simply safer to keep your pet with you during times of disasters.
7. Current photos of your pet in case it gets lost. Also, be sure each of your animals have name tags, rabies tags, etc., securely fastened to their collars. Important note: When planning to evacuate, attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter or of a friend/relative outside the affected area to the back of your pet's ID tag.
8. Portable pet beds, a familiar blanket, and lots of toys.

Plan ahead to have a safe place to take your pets because public shelters, like the ones operated by the Red Cross, do not allow family pets. Service dogs are an exception.

Don't wait until the last minute to make plans for your pets. And don't even think about leaving them home! You would never forgive yourself if something happened to them because you left them behind to fend for themselves. Prepare by doing the following now:

1. Ask friends or relatives outside the affected area if they are willing to shelter you and your animals. If not, see item #2.
2. Check out www.pet-friendly-hotels.net ?list of pet friendly facilities throughout your state. ?No pet? policies are sometimes waived in an emergency.

Always keep a list of all these pet friendly places with your emergency supplies.

AS THE STORM APPROACHES

1. Know your evacuation zone.
2. Remember, all mobile home residents must evacuate regardless of location.
3. Hurricane guides with evacuation zone maps are available from local media sources, grocery stores and other merchants. Keep one in your home and one in your vehicle.

PREPARING TO EVACUATE

If you feel you have to leave your property to ensure everyone's safety:

1. Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements.
2. Bring all pets into the house so you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
3. Be sure all pets are wearing their collars and ID tags.
4. Be sure your pet's hurricane kit, discussed above, is ready to travel.
5. Remember: animals ? like people ? will react differently when under stress. Keep all dogs securely leashed and cats in sturdy carriers. Even a normally calm pet may panic and try to escape or even bite in a stressful situation.

AFTER THE STORM

1. Whether or not you physically left your home, walk your pet outside on a leash until they become re-oriented to their surroundings.
2. Don't allow pets to consume food or water which may have become contaminated.
3. Watch for downed power lines and other debris that can be hazardous to both you and your pet.
4. If your electric is out for awhile and you use alternate sources of light, never leave an open flame from candles, oil lamps, etc., unattended around your animals.