“
A major failing of all Floridians has been the apparent inability
to learn and retain the important lessons previous hurricanes
should have taught us. Andrew’s most obvious lesson was that
we were not prepared for this hurricane, neither as individuals
nor as a community. This mistake must not reoccur.” Dade
County Grand Jury, final report - 12/92
The
only way to reduce the devastation of a hurricane is to be
prepared. The more you prepare, the better your chances of
reducing suffering and risk for yourself, your family, your
animals and your community. While 38% of U.S. households have
children, 43% have pets. Florida is the third most populous
state in the U.S., with over 80% of its population within
10 miles of the coast. There is no geographical point in Florida
that is far from saltwater. If you live in Florida, you must
plan for hurricanes - and that planning should include
your pets . Any disaster that threatens humans, threatens
animals as well.
When
any Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico storm is named, all Floridians
should take it seriously, watch it closely, and begin implementation
of their pre-written disaster plans.
WHY
PET OWNERS MUST PLAN
Public
shelters will not accept pets. If you wait
until the last minute to evacuate, you may have no choice
but to go to a public shelter. If such a situation should
force you to leave pets behind, please prepare your children
and other family members for the fact that their pets may
not survive or may be lost before you are able or permitted
to return to your home. There is no way to know how long it
will be before you are permitted back after the storm. It
is much better to plan now so that when a hurricane occurs,
you can evacuate your pets also.
Frightened
animals quickly slip out open doors, broken windows or other
damaged areas of your home opened by the storm. Released pets
are likely to die from exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated
food and water or on the road where they can also endanger
others. Even normally friendly animals of different species
should not be allowed together unattended since the stress
of the storm may cause distinct behavior changes.
REMEMBER:
If you must evacuate... then conditions are not only unsafe
for you, but unsafe for other living creatures as well.
DEVELOP
YOUR WRITTEN PLAN NOW
A
written DISASTER PLAN will help you and your pets survive.
Identify your evacuation zone and level to determine if and
when you would have to evacuate. Always be prepared for one
category higher than the one being forecast because a hurricane
often increases in strength just before making landfall. If
the storm suddenly upgrades, you will not have time to change
your plans as winds will have already reached speeds that
will make travel unsafe.
ALL
MOBILE HOME RESIDENTS SHOULD EVACUATE - regardless of location.
Evacuation information, as well as additional preparedness
guidelines may be obtained from the Escambia County Emergency
Management Office.
Your
goal should be to evacuate to a safe location close to home.
Long-distance evacuation is not recommended as highways will
be crowded. Friends or relatives in a safe area are your best
choice. The comfort of knowing you are safe together, far
outweighs any inconvenience.
If
they are unable to house both you and your pets , arrange
shelter for your pets at a veterinarian or kennel close to
your evacuation location so that you will have as much contact
with them as possible. You and your pets will fare better
if you are together.
If
you plan to go to a motel, determine in advance whether pets
are welcome and what, if any, special rules are applicable.
The Animal Shelter and the Emergency Management Office have
lists of those motels that accept pets in an emergency.
IF
YOU MUST EVACUATE
LEAVE
EARLY . An unnecessary trip
is far better than waiting too long and not being able to
leave safely.
All
animals should have secure carriers (or collapsible cages
for large dogs) as well as collars, leashes and rabies tags.
Carriers should be large enough for the animals to stand comfortably
and turn around.
Train
your pets to become familiar with their carriers ahead of
time. Then the carrier will be a secure and comforting refuge
if the animal is required to live in it for days - even weeks-
after the storm.
Before
hurricane season begins on June 1 every year, make sure all
your pets have current immunizations and take these records
with you if you must evacuate.
Photograph
each of your pets prior to June 1 of each year and include
these pictures with your immunization and other medical records.
Your
pet survival kit should include ample food (at least a one
week supply); water/food bowls; medications; specific care
instructions; newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling
waste; brushes, combs, and other hygiene items; toys and others
comfort items; muzzles if necessary. A manual can opener is
a necessity. Ask your veterinarian for emergency care recommendations.
If
you plan to shelter your pets at a kennel or clinic, call
before evacuating to determine if space is available. Allow
sufficient time to travel from the kennel to your evacuation
location after making certain that your animals are secure.
Throughout
the evacuation and the storm, your pets will need reassurance
from you. Remain calm, keep as close to their normal routine
as possible, and speak to them in a calm, reassuring voice.
IF
YOU CAN STAY AT HOME
It
is just as important to adequately plan for your pets even
if you don’t have to evacuate. Carriers, collars with proper
ID and leashes should be maintained for your pets at
all times.
Your
pets will be most comfortable and secured in a safe area of
your home until the storm has passed. If they are not secured
during the storm and your house is damaged, your pets may
escape and become disoriented, since normal landmarks and
scent trails could be obliterated. If your pets become lost,
proper ID will ensure their return to you.
Place
your pet food and medication in watertight containers in a
cool, dry, dark place. Store adequate water for your pets.
Your normal water source may become contaminated. (To purify
water, add 2 drops of household bleach per quart of water,
mix, seal tightly, let stand for 30 minutes before using.)
If
you bring plants into the home before a storm, be careful
not to allow pets access to them since many ornamental plants
are poisonous.
AFTER
THE STORM
Walk
your pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their
home. CAUTION: Downed power lines and other debris pose real
dangers to you and your pets. Do not allow pets to consume
food or water which may have become contaminated. Be extremely
careful in using candles or oil lamps, particularly around
pets. Never leave them unattended.
When
you know that you have done everything you can do to protect
all members of the family, disaster preparedness will
give you tremendous peace of mind.
SUMMARY
OF KEY CONSIDERATIONS:
MAKE
SURE ALL PETS ARE WEARING PROPER IDENTIFICATION.
If you get separated, it will be their ticket home.
Get
your pets inside and under control as soon as a warning is
announced. DO NOT LEAVE A DOG TIED OUTSIDE IN HURRICANE
WEATHER.
If
you evacuate to somewhere other than a public shelter, TAKE
YOUR PET. (If it is dangerous for you, it is dangerous for
your pet.)
If
you take your pets with you, remember to take for their care:
__
A pet carrier properly sized to hold them.
__
Food/water bowls.
__
A one-week supply of dry food.
__
Water in plastic bottles.
__
Pet medication and pet health records.
__
Leashes (muzzles, if necessary).
__
Newspapers & paper towels for cleanup.
If
you MUST leave your pets behind:
—
Ensure they have access to a safe room without windows, but
with adequate ventilation (for instance, a bathroom or utility
room.)
--
Leave enough food for at least three days.
--
A sufficient supply of water is critical.
--
If your area might be flooded, provide access to elevated
spaces or counters.
-- Do not leave cats and
dogs in the same space - even if they have been friends.
