June 1st marks the beginning of hurricane season, and while we all wonder aloud with each other- is this year gonna be a doosie? Are you preparing?Many of us prepare in different ways : making sure insurance policies are up to snuff , making arrangements with relatives and friends for places to crash in the event of an evacuation, making sure storm shutters are in good order, purchasing generators and the like, but have you considered preparations for your 4 legged family members?
During hurricane Katrina it is estimated that more than 250,000 pets- from cats and dogs to parrots and fish- were left stranded in the storms destruction. Helicopter pilots and rescue boat captains refused to load pets in order to accommodate more people. Many families in the affected area refused to evacuate without their pets. Some field hospitals allowed the patients to enter with their pets, The Superdome and other emergency shelters would not allow pets to enter with their owners.
In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, approximately 8,000 animals were rescued and brought to temporary shelters .
As of September 20, 2005, 6,031 animals were re-homed and 400 were reunited with their owners. An estimated 200,000 pets were killed or left without shelter as a result of Hurricane Katrina.
Inspired by the story of Snowball, US Representative Tom Lantos (D-California) introduced the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act to the House of Representatives which would require states seeking FEMA assistance to accommodate pets and service animals in their plans for evacuating residents facing disasters. The bill passed with an overwhelming majority on May 22, 2006.
To help you avoid the unimaginable , listed below are a few tips to help you prepare for your pets in the event of a hurricane.
Get a Rescue Sticker and place it on the outside of your house in an area rescue workers can see it, this will let people know that there are pets inside. Make sure to include the types and number of pets in your household. If you evacuate with your pets and time allows it write EVACUATED across the sticker.
Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Keep in mind that not all emergency shelters allow pets, be sure to identify your local pet friendly shelter and pre-register your pets with that shelter so they know how much room they will need to accommodate your family and pets. Make a list of pet friendly hotels and motels outside your immediate area, also include friends and relatives living outside your immediate area, ask if they would be willing to host your family including your pets in the event of evacuation.
Prepare an emergency supply kit especially for your pets, things to include are :
Pet first aid kit
3-7 days worth of food for each pet and feeding dishes.
Disposable litter trays
Extra collars and leashes
Copies of all up to date medical records in a water proof case along with a 2 week supply of any medicines your pets require.
Bottled water, at least 7 days for each pet
A traveling bag or carrier for each pet
Flashlight
Recent photos of each pet
Scoop-lifter, toys, and chew bones
Store this emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible. Make sure all your pets wear collars and tags with up to date identification. Tags should contain their name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Morehead Animal hospital recommends the microchipping of your pet as a more permanent form of identification . In the U.S., only 22% of lost pets ever find their way home, you can double or even triple that number if pets are misplaced during a natural disaster. A microchip is implanted under the skin in the shoulder area , and can be read by scanners at most animal shelters and veterinarian offices.
If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for worse-case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. As always, follow the instructions of your State and Local officials.
Again, as you prepare for this impending hurricane season, please be sure to include your pets. Log on to our website moreheadanimalhospital.com to set up your personal Pet Portal account, that way you have access to your pets records online and can print in a hurry. Also, if they are not already chipped, get microchips. Morehead Animal Hospital will be discounting microchips during the months of July and August! Stop by our office for a list of Pet Friendly Hotels/Motels located along evacuation routes here in eastern NC , we also have available pre-registration forms for our local Pet Friendly Emergency Shelter.
So when that windy gale starts a -blowin and the hog fish are swimming in the collard patch , do not be momicked, be prepared !
