Emergency Preparedness

If an emergency such as flood, fire, tornado or hurricane were to happen today, how prepared would you be to survive? Have you planned ahead in the event one of these emergencies should occur. Did you include your pets when you made these plans? If not, now is the time, before an emergency situation occurs, to make sure you have a disaster plan in place and that your pets have been included in this plan.

I live in southeastern Florida and I am painfully aware of the effects of a hurricane. I saw first hand, as a pharmacist disaster responder, the devastation caused by hurricane Andrew. Two years ago I lived through the effects of hurricane Wilma. I know that hurricane season begins June 1, and I make sure that my property is secure and that I have extra food, water and other necessary supplies on hand PRIOR to June 1.

What considerations are necessary before a disaster strikes:

1. If you must evacuate, take your pet with you, if possible. However, if going to a public shelter know before hand if it is pet friendly. Not all shelters allow pets. You need to plan in advance for shelter needs for you and your pets.
2. Is the pet current on vaccines? Pet friendly shelters may require proof of vaccination.
3. Have a current picture of your pet.
4. Make sure you have a collar, identification tag and a leash on hand.
5. Have a pet carrier for each animal large enough for the pet to stand and turn around in.
6. When you create your evacuation plan, don't forget to include your pet in the plan.

What considerations are necessary during the disaster:

1. If the shelter allows pets, bring along the; collar with ID and rabies tags, leash and pet carrier.
2. Bring an ample supply of food, water and food bowls
3. Bring any necessary medications and any specific care instructions.
4. Bring newspapers or trash bags for clean up.

What about after the disaster:

1. Pets may need to be re-oriented to their home and should be kept on a leash since familiar scents and landmarks may be altered. In addition, pets can be easily confused and become lost.
2. Have a picture of your pet with you in case your pet cannot be found after the disaster. Check with local authorities such as animal control to see where animals can be recovered.
3. Be aware of behavior changes in the pet as a result of the disaster. Your pet may become aggresive or defensive.

Use these links to Pethealth101 for additional information on a pet disaster plan for dogs and a pet disaster plan for cats.