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The National Guard helps evacuate households, pets included
My county was one of the hardest hit by Hurricane Irene in my state. Trees fell on power lines and even houses. Some people in areas right by the water had to evacuate and thousands of people lost power, with many not getting it back for days.
I knew in my area I didn’t have to worry about evacuating – the only people who did so lived right on the beach and we’re 100 feet above sea level. But I knew we might face days without power, and because we’re on a well that meant without water too.
I had enough food left for the cats and dog to last a couple weeks, so that was covered. They all drink out of a water dispenser that contains a few gallons of water, so we filled that up on Saturday afternoon just before the storm hit.
That usually lasts about a week, but when I bought bottled water for the house I also planned that some could be used for the pets. We filled up two of our three tubs with water, again thinking that the pets could use some if needed.
These are the first steps, according to the Humane Society, to consider for your pets when facing a storm. Most people plan for supplies for their families in the event of a long power outage, but make sure that covers your pets as well.
What if you’re in an area that’s being evacuated? You want to make sure your pets are also included in your plans. The Humane Society has some further tips, via MSN Today, for creating pet-friendly emergency evacuation plans.
Many emergency shelters don’t allow pets but some do, so contact your county officials to find out. One of the shelters in my county allowed pets but they had to be caged at all times, so check the rules, because you might need to bring crates and carry cases.
Some hotels are pet friendly, so if you don’t have a shelter option search for pet friendly hotels in your area. Sometimes hotels waive pet restrictions during emergency evacuations, so check for that as well.
The important thing is to make sure to take your pets wherever you go during a storm. Even if you think you’re just leaving for a few hours, in the event of flooding or other disasters you might be prevented from returning home and then your pets are trapped.
If evacuation is an option at all, make sure you have a kit ready for your pets as well as for the rest of your family. MSN Today has this list from the Humane Society of what your kit should include:
* At least three days of pet food and water in airtight, waterproof containers
* Bowls for food and water
* Current photos and physical descriptions of pets, in case they should become lost
* Medications, vaccination records and any pet first-aid supplies
* Comfort items such as a toy or blanket
* Small garbage bags for waste
* A leash, harness and sturdy carrier large enough to be used as a sleeping area for dogs
* For cats, a litter box, litter and a sturdy carrier
It’s always easier to be prepared in advance than to try to throw things together at the last minute, so if you’re facing the potential of any natural disaster in your area get your things together for the whole family, pets included, so you’re prepared when the time comes. The Humane Society website has a whole section devoted to caring for pets in the event of a disaster, so check there for more tips.
Related Articles:
Do You Have a Pet Emergency Evacuation Plan?
Insurance Needs for When a Hurricane is Coming
*(This image from The U.S. Army by Sgt. 1st Class Paul Meeker is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License.)
