Evacuation plans should include your pets
Our pets rely on us to feed them, to take them to the doctor
when they're sick or injured, and keep them safe from harm.
Many of us are well intentioned and take very good care of
our animals. It would only make sense that we would make
the effort to evacuate our pets if we were forced to leave
our homes for safety's sake. Unfortunately, many of us
have never thought about what we would need to do in
order to evacuate our pets in an emergency situation.
The sad truth is many of people the who leave their pets behind
in these situations, do so because they are unprepared and run out of time.
A whopping 80% of the people who re-enter an evacuated
area, often illegally, do so to rescue pets that were
left behind. In one evacuation situation, following a
train derailment, emergency personnel had to organize
an official pet rescue on the forth day, in order to
reduce the number of people returning to their homes
to retrieve their pets. Most of them left their pets
behind because they didn't think they would be gone
very long. If the situation is dangerous for people
then it is dangerous for animals. Be safe and evacuate
your pets even if you perceive the threat to be minimal.
It is recommended that you have one pet carrier for
each cat or small animal. Some dogs may need a portable
kennel, especially if they do not travel well. Cats and
dogs need a collar with a tag. Micro-chipping is an
excellent idea, but a collar with a tag listing a
cell phone number means you'll be reunited with your
animal faster. Keep a few photos of your pet with
your emergency supplies. Digital photos printed on
some 8.5 X 11 paper can be posted in shelters and
community centers if they become lost. Remember to
pack food, water, and a bowl for them. Canned food
is perfect because it can be stored for a long time.
A pet carrier is a good place to stow some of the pet
supplies, along with some towels or blankets and
perhaps some toys. Don't forget about a litter box
and make sure you have an extra leash or two.
If you are organized, it will be much easier to ask
a neighbor to evacuate your pets if you are not home.
Neighbors can use a buddy system to insure that everyone
is able to leave the area safely and get help with
their pets if needed. Keep phone numbers of veterinarians
and boarding facilities with your evacuation supplies.
Although Red Cross shelters do not allow animals,
the impact of Hurricane Katrina has made organizations
that deal with disasters reconsider their policies
about pets. Federal legislation is in the making requiring
states to institute pet rescue procedures and to appropriate
money for training emergency personnel on how to administer
a shelter for both people and their pets.
