Pets & Animals in Distress has put the below following Hurricane Preparedness Guide be to all pet owners that could be in the direct path of Hurricane Gustav. For those of us who might have been in denial: It's pretty clear that we indeed are in the heart of hurricane season now, with Gustav heading toward the Gulf Coast and Hannah barreling through the Atlantic.
Does your family have a hurricane preparedness plan to include for your pets? And if you have to evacuate, do you have somewhere to go that will take your animals, too? The Pets & Animals in Distress Web site is a great resource center that offers pet preparedness and disaster information that includes a good hurricane checklist for pet owners, pet friendly hotels and Hurricane Center Directory.
You can visit us at:http://www.petsandanimals.org/pet_disaster_tips.asp
Disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and floods don't just affect you -- they also affect your pets. And your pets depend on you for their safety. There are many ways to be "Pet Prepared," but you must think ahead and start planning NOW. During a disaster, if you see an injured or stranded animal that needs help, contact your local animal control officer or animal shelter.
Please follow the below tips in case of immediate evacuation of you and your pets in those targeted regions.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! Contact your veterinarian or local humane society for information on preparing your pets for an emergency.
BEFORE THE DISASTER·
- Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations.
- Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines
- Have a current photograph
- Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.
- Have a properly sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around.
- Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet!
Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster. If you plan to shelter your pet - work it into your evacuation route planning.
DURING THE DISASTER· Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have: Proper identification collar and rabies tag, proper identification on all belongings, a carrier or cage, a leash, an ample supply of food, water and food bowls, any necessary medications, specific care instructions and news papers or trash bags for clean-up. · Bring pets indoor well in advance of a storm - reassure them and remain calm. · Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis. Call ahead and determine availability.
AFTER THE DISASTER· Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster. · If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring along a picture of your pet if possible. · After disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive - monitor their behavior.
PET DISASTER SUPPLY KIT• Proper identification including immunization records• Ample supply of food and water• A carrier or cage• Medications• Muzzle, collar and leash
PET HELP LINKS •
The HUMANE SOCIETY Disaster Center http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/
FEMA - Animals and Emergencies -http://www.fema.gov/individual/animals.shtm
Locate PET-FRIENDLY Hotels & Motels - http://www.petswelcome.com/
Emergency Pet Preparedness
Pet & Animals in Distress knows the importance of promoting pet safety awareness, when it comes to protecting our cherished pet family members in case of home Fires or any natural disaster crisis that may occur anytime such as (Hurricanes, Tornados, Earthquakes, Floods or Snowstorms). Having "Rescue Rover" Pet Alert Fire Rescue window decals on windows gives firefighters or emergency personnel a much better chance of alerting them that there are pets inside of a residence and lets them know how many and what type of pets that are inside when they arrive on the scene that need to be rescued. "Rescue Rover" Pet Alert Fire Rescue decals can greatly increase a pet's chances of survival of being saved from a home fire or disaster, and the number of tragic companion animal deaths can be significantly reduced. There is no price you can pay to protect and save a pet family member.
Receive your Free "Rescue Rover" Pet
Alert Decals with your donation to Pets & Animals in Distress. https://secure.groundspring.org/dn/index.php?id=2025
Don't forget your pet when preparing a family disaster plan. Please cross post and forward this pet safety preparedness message on to other pet ownersThank you and our prayers go out to all that are in harms way!
Brenda Beck, Founder/ PresidentPets & Animals in Distresshttp://www.petsandanimals.org/
"Your Best Friends Helping Our Best Friends"
1511 east Commercial Blvd
PMB #129
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
33334
United States
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