HURRICANE FLORENCE PREPAREDNESS - THINK AHEAD FOR YOUR PETS
Just as you prepare your family’s emergency supply kit, you'll want to prepare an emergency kit for your pets. Think first about the basics for survival, most importantly, food and water. Pack enough of everything to last for at least 3 days. You’ll want to have a picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
- Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
- Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.
- Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
- Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.
- Collar with ID tag, harness or leash. Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit.
In addition, place copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and also add them to your kit. - If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation take your pets and animals with you. You will want to have a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
- Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
- Include favorite toys, treats or bedding in your emergency container.
You can bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use 4-16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches, or those with added cleaners.
TODAY: Gather contact information for emergency animal treatment. Make a list of contact information and addresses of your veterinarian.
*Keep one copy of these phone numbers with you and one in your pet’s emergency supply kit.
Put your name, address & phone number on a sticker where you could be reached in an emergency on the pet’s rabies tag if you don’t have an identity. Use permanent market if at all possible.
Stay Informed Know About Forecast: It’s important to stay informed about what might happen and know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your area as well as emergency plans that have been established by your state and local government. For more information about how to prepare, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY.
Those who take the time to prepare themselves and their pets will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry. Take the time now to get yourself and your pet ready.
Arrange a Safe Haven
Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, IF IT ISN’T SAFE FOR YOU, IT’S NOT SAFE FOR YOUR PETS. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards.
Not all shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:
- Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.
- Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.
- Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.
- Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.
Choose A ”Designated Caregiver”
Consider someone who lives close to your home. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own—you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility.
When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this “foster parent,” consider people who have met your pet and have successful cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet.
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24/7 Emergency Information
- 911 for all life-threatening emergencies
- 211 for information on shelters, evacuation routes, storm clean-up, volunteer needs and locating food and water.
- 511 for road closures.
- Coast Guard search and rescue: (757) 398-6700.
- Download the app, GasBuddy or visit gasbuddy.com to locate available gas in your area.
- For shelter locations, call (888) 892-1162 or visit redcross.org.
- For lost or missing pets, call (704) 336-7600
- No problems at your home and would like to volunteer? Visit nvoad.org.
© Debe Maxwell | The Maxwell House Group | CharlotteBroker@icloud.com | HURRICANE FLORENCE PREPAREDNESS - THINK AHEAD FOR YOUR PETS
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