How to keep your pets safe during a natural disaster or emergency
ByJessica Goodman, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
ByJessica Goodman, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
During an emergency or natural disaster, there are a lot of things that come up. Most importantly, you need to make sure that everyone in your household is safe, including your pets.
According to the American Red Cross, there are few tips for keeping your cat or dog safe during a disaster:
Remember, if it is unsafe in the house for humans that it is also unsafe for them so make arrangements to get your pets out safely. Make sure to build out an evacuation plan for you and your pets. One way to do this is to create an emergency plan. This should include places where you can take your pets if you have to evacuate, which may include hotels, shelters, relatives, friends, and boarding facilities. According to the Red Cross, you will want to make sure that your pets’ vaccinations are up to date and that they are wearing their collars with current and up-to-date information.
Create an emergency kit or have one ready to go. This should include food, bowls, water, cat litter/pan, medications, baggies, blankets, towels, leashes, harnesses, carriers, crates, current photos of your cat or dog, information about your pet, and any toys or pet beds that are easy to transport. The Best Friends Animal Society has a more in-depth list on their website.
The Red Cross suggests for livestock and other animals is to move them to higher grounds, give yourself time, and if you can bring them indoors, do so. You will want to plan ahead as they will need to be evacuated too.
According to the Best Friends Animal Society, one of the best ways to get through an emergency situation is to remain calm. This way, you can plan out the next steps clearly and it will also help your pets stay calm.
“If local officials indicate that a major threat will impact your area and evacuation is likely, you’ll want to ensure that you have plenty of time to find and secure your pets, so don’t wait until the last minute to start the evacuation process. Be aware that your pets’ behavior during and after an emergency evacuation may be different from their behavior during the normal daily routine. Pets may become highly stressed as the danger nears, so be extra cautious when handling them because they may be scared, try to escape or bite,” Best Friends Animal Society said in a news release.
The Best Friends Animal Society suggests making sure to have a five-day plan after the emergency for your pets whether it includes shelter support or temporary placement with family members. Local rescue groups may also be able to help.
“Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s crucial for people with pets to be as prepared as possible for a potential evacuation or shelter-in-place situation that could last for hours, days, weeks or even longer. A good first step is knowing which hazards are most likely to impact your community, whether it’s wildfires, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or extreme heat or cold. Then, plan accordingly with a response for each scenario,” Best Friends Animal Society said on their website.
While it is strongly discouraged, in the event that you have to leave your pets behind during a hurricane, make sure to have a window decal that alerts emergency authorities to how many pets are inside the home. The ASPCA offers such a decal free of charge.
In the event that your pet becomes separated from you during a hurricane, having an ID tag or being microchipped can make all of the difference in you and your pet having a happy reunion after the storm.
Place a blanket or other type of covering over the bird’s cage when transporting during a hurricane evacuation. If the temperature is cool outside, a blanket is recommended to keep the cage warm. In warm weather, bring along a water bottle to spray on your bird’s feathers. Also bring along identification documents, cage liners, food and a net in case the bird escapes.
Hurricanes are frightening for both pets and people. By taking steps to protect your pets before a hurricane strikes, you can increase their survival rate and reduce the stress that natural disasters can cause pets. If your pets live outdoors, bring them in at the very first sign of an approaching hurricane. Create a safe space indoors, ideally with a crate where the pet can retreat if it is frightened.
If you do need to board your animal during a hurricane, keep in mind that most facilities will require up-to-date vaccinations. Don’t wait until just before the storm strikes; vaccinations can take up to two weeks to be effective.
Just as with the human members of your family, pets need a first aid kit when preparing for a hurricane. Stock the kit with medical records, bandaging material, gloves, tweezers, antiseptic wipes and antibiotic ointment.
Pets should have a crate that they can safely be transported in and that can be used as a sleeping spot in temporary living quarters. Place familiar items from home in the crate to help your pet adjust. If you are staying at a shelter that allows pets, a crate for cats should be big enough to fit a litterbox as well as food and water dishes.
The ASPCA recommends bringing along up to a week’s worth of pet food in the case of a hurricane evacuation. If you plan a hurricane preparation kit for your pets well in advance, check dates to make sure food has not expired.
Don’t forget your pet’s medications. It may be difficult to access a veterinary clinic or pharmacy during a hurricane. When you get to your safe location, make note of the nearest animal clinic in case of a medical emergency. Ask for medications like antibiotics in pill form, which offers a longer shelf life than other medication forms.
Account for all members of your family, including humans and pets, when assembling your first aid kit. Stock the kit with medical records, and essential items like bandages, sanitizing wipes, gloves, cold packs, scissors, a thermometer and antibiotic ointment.
Keep in mind that not all emergency shelters will accept animals. You may need to board your animal as a hurricane approaches. Start with your veterinary clinic, and see if they offer boarding options in disaster situations. If not, they should be able to recommend reputable boarding facilities that are far enough inland to offer a safe haven for your pet.
The ASPCA recommends bringing along up to a week’s worth of pet food in the case of a hurricane evacuation. If you plan a hurricane preparation kit for your pets well in advance, check dates to make sure food has not expired.
Cats may become stressed out during a hurricane evacuation situation. They may run and hide in difficult places to reach, like a basement or attic. Consider having a safety net if all other forms of retrieving your animal fail. Use the net to secure the pet, then deposit it into a crate for safekeeping.
Small pets, like gerbils and hamsters, should be transported in a secure carrier during a hurricane evacuation, along with enough food, water and bedding material for at least a week. A tube or other object that allows the small animal to hide is also recommended.
Pack enough fresh drinking water for the human and animal members of your family. Contaminated water is dangerous for pets just as it is for humans. Buy enough bottled water for up to two weeks, or plan on purifying water, either by boiling it or using a decontamination solution.
Pets are sensitive creatures that may become stressed in the midst of a natural disaster like a hurricane and a sudden change in environment. Bring a favorite pet blanket or bed that will soothe your pet with the scent of home. Include a favorite toy to remind your pet of home and help reduce stress.
