Hurricane Season is Here

Hurricane season officially starts today, and as such everyone should make sure they are well prepared to care for their animals should a hurricane make it's way towards them. I've been stock piling supplies myself, and thought I'd share with everyone what you should be thinking about in addition to the regular people preparations.

Personally, I probably go a little overboard in my prep work, but I also have a small army to think about. I have a few extra bags of cat litter, some fresh pans, a months supply of food, treats and new toys to distract them during a storm. I've also stocked up on pet meds: antibiotics, calming treats and sprays, ointment for scratches or other minor injuries, and eye wash. I also have two cases of water specifically for the cats, and enough pet carriers if I need to move or confine them. I'm also getting every cat a new tag and collar with updated emergency information, and will start getting them microchipped as soon as I go on summer hours this Friday.

I've also been preparing for the feral cats, although that is much harder since they obviously aren't tame. Essentially I've got enough food, water and medicines for them as well. I'm debating whether I should try and trap them and bring them inside, but I worry that may stress them out too much... something I want to talk to the Humane Society about to get their opinion.


In the mean time, here is a pet preparation guide from FEMA:

Before the Disaster: Have a Safe Place to Take Your Pets

Plan your evacuation strategy and don't forget your pet! If you plan to shelter your pet - work it into your evacuation route planning.

• Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research. Many communities are developing pet-friendly shelter plans, check to see if your local emergency shelter plan includes pets.
• 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.
• Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations. Go to www.petswelcome.com to search online for pet friendly hotels and motels.
• Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
• Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.

Prepare a portable disaster supply kit for your pet

Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily.

• Proper identification, including immunization records, and current photos
• Ample supply of food and water
• A carrier or cage, pet beds and toys
• Medications, medical records and a first aid kit
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

Know What to Do As a Disaster Approaches

• Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.
• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
• Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.
• Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.
• Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a pet-sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But bear in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.

Check out these Web sites for further information on disaster preparations for your pet:

• Florida State Emergency Response Team: www.floridadisaster.org;
• Humane Society of the U.S.: www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/;
• Information on Pet-friendly hotels: www.petswelcome.com