Preparing You and Your Pet for Emergencies
by Teresa Young Weinacker

Article pertaining to preparation for emergencies for you and your pet, i.e. evacuation with your pet.

Preparing for your pet is as essential as preparing for your family when a hurricane is on the way. Since animals generally are not allowed in public shelters, what do you do with your pet when a hurricane is bearing down?

“Do not leave your pet at home if you evacuate”, urges Jean McNeil, spokeswoman for Animal Control Services in the coastal city of Wilmington, North Carolina.

"If your home is not safe for you, it's not safe for your pet," says McNeil, "You don't know if your home will be there when you get back, so if you have to evacuate, it's for a reason."

McNeil suggests calling hotels in advance; some may lift restrictions on pets during emergencies or visit Pet friendly to find a hotel that already has pet policies. You can also check animal boarding facilities. As a last resort, consider Humane Societies and Animal Control shelters along the coast and inland, but call ahead to check on restrictions. Veterinarians, friends and family that live inland are other options.

Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis. Animals have instincts about severe weather changes and will often isolate themselves if they are afraid. Bringing them inside early can stop them from running away. Never leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm.

Separate dogs and cats. Even if your dogs and cats normally get along, the anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally.

What your pet needs for evacuation:

A secure, unbreakable, covered carrier for each animal. Be sure to write your pet's name, your name and contact information on your pet's carrier. The carrier should be large enough that your pet can completely turn around.

Leashes and harnesses that are strong and secure around your pet. Keep your pet on a leash at all times so that your pet can't wander off and hurt themselves or others. Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification including rabies. Your pet's ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs

Food and water bowls. Food should be in plastic containers so that water can't get in. There should be enough food and water to last your pet for at least two weeks. Include feeding instructions. For canned food, be sure to bring a manual can opener.

Health records. Before hurricane season begins, make sure your pet has current immunizations and records handy for evacuation.

Current photo of pet. Bring photos of you and your pet together to show proof of ownership if you become separated.

Household bleach and plastic bags. If you end up staying in a shelter, you will be responsible for cleaning up after your pet.

Pet toys. After all, your pet will need some type of entertainment, and toys may help reduce the stress of unfamiliar surroundings.

Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits

You should also have an emergency/traveling kit ready and handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:

Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include)

3-7 days' worth of canned (easy to open such as pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)

Treats they are familiar with (be sure to rotate every two months)

Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect) Litter or paper toweling

Liquid dish soap and disinfectant

Disposable garbage bags for clean-up

Pet feeding dishes (plastic would be best)

Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security)

Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit-otherwise they may go bad or become useless.) .

Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)

A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet

Some favorite toys, favorite type of blanket or throw and maybe a new toy

Flashlight

Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)

Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters)

Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoopable litter

Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner

You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.

Small animals, such as hamsters, and birds can be transported in their normal cases, but avoid glass enclosures. You can transport snakes in a well-secured pillowcase, if necessary. Bring any supplies and food they need, along with feeding instructions. Birds must eat daily to survive. In an emergency, you may have to take your birds with you. Talk with your veterinarian or local pet store about special food dispensers that regulate the amount of food a bird is given. Make sure that the bird is caged and the cage is covered by a thin cloth or sheet to provide security and filtered light.

After the storm

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and animal control experts suggest ways to help your pet adjust after the storm:

Walk your pets on a leash around your home until they become re-orientated. Sometimes familiar scents have changed and pets can become confused and lost.

Beware of downed power lines and debris that can pose a threat for pets after a hurricane

Keep a close eye on your pet; pets can become aggressive or defensive after a disaster

Don't allow your pet to eat or drink anything you think may be contaminated
If after a disaster you have to leave town, take your pets with you. Pets are unlikely to survive on their own.

In the first few days after the disaster, leash your pets when they go outside. Always maintain close contact.

Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and your pet may become confused and lost. Also, snakes and other dangerous animals may be brought into the area with flood areas. Downed power lines are a hazard.

The behavior of your pets may change after an emergency. Normally quiet and friendly pets may become aggressive or defensive. Watch animals closely. Leash dogs and, if possible, place them in a fenced yard with access to shelter and water.

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared and remember, the safest place for your pets is with you.

If you live in an area is prone to certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods?

Determine well in advance which rooms offer safe havens. These rooms should be clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.

Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe zones. .

Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage or other crises. .
In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter

If emergency officials recommend that you stay in your home, it's crucial that you keep your pets with you. Keep your emergency kit and supplies close at hand. Your pets may become stressed during the in-house confinement, so you may consider crating them for safety and comfort.

Original at: http://www.gomestic.com/Pets/Preparing-You-and-Your-Pet-for-Emergencies.239307/2