| |
Including Pets in Emergency Preparedness
March 8, 2005
With today's news of Mt. St. Helens eruption, the Oregon Humane
Society encourages pet owners to keep their pets in mind when preparing
for disaster or an emergency. Here are some tips should any ash fall in your area:
In the occurrence of ashfall
- Keep pets indoors. Ash is abrasive and can do permanent damage
to your pet's eyes. Also ash can cause respiratory problems for
pets and prolong exposure can be fatal for animals.
- Store extra food and drinking water
- Keep extra medicine on hand
- If pets go outside, brush or vacuum them before letting them
indoors
- Make sure livestock have clean food and water
Assemble pet survivor kits and keep it with yours
- In order to contain and control your pets during an evacuation,
you'll need a harness and leash for each dog and a carrier for
each cat. In choosing a cat carrier, choose one that is
large enough to serve as a temporary apartment for your cat.
- Pre-pack your pet's kit in a backpack for ease in transportation
and include supplies for at least one week.
- Include dry food, clumping cat litter, water, serving dishes,
small litter box, litter scoop, and plastic bags for waste disposal.
Pet first aid kits and vaccination records are a must.
- Remember any pet medication, favorite toy or bed, and some treats
Tag, microchip, and photograph your pets.
Current pet identification is the single most important thing you
can do to help ensure that you will be reunited with a lost pet. Make
certain your pet (even an indoor only cat) is wearing a collar with
visible identification tags. A microchip implant is a secure form
of identification that can't be lost. Be sure to carry a photograph
with you to increase the likelihood of finding a missing pet.
Have an alternative-shelter plan for your pets. If you must
evacuate your home, do not leave your pets behind.
If it is unsafe for you to remain, then it is unsafe for your pets
as well. In a widespread emergency, the Red Cross sets up shelters
to deal with human needs, but only special service dogs are permitted
inside. Therefore, you will need to have a separate shelter plan
for your pets. Friends and family residing outside your immediate
area are a possibility, as are boarding facilities. Another option
is to evacuate the family and pets to a pet friendly motel.
Be a good Samaritan.
Giving temporary shelter to misplaced pets during a disaster saves
lives. If you do take in a lost dog or cat, make sure to let rescue
organizations know so that the animal can be reunited with its family.
|
|
