Hurricane ready? Make sure you're prepared!
As the Atlantic hurricane season reaches its peak, make sure that you and your pets are prepared. Whether in Florida or far away from the hurricane threat, it’s always good to include your pets in your family emergency plan. Here are helpful tips curated from the Department of Homeland Security’s emergency planning website.
Your pet emergency plan:
- ID your pet. Whether through microchipping or up-to-date tags, your pet’s ID is a ticket home should you become separated.
- Keep a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.
- Include a secure crate, carrier, leash, or harness so if your pet panics, it cannot escape.
- Identify shelters. Many public emergency shelters do not accept pets, so in advance of needing them, find out which hotels in your area accept pets.
- Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals. Develop a buddy system with friends, neighbors, or relatives.
- During a disaster, bring pets inside immediately. Pets’ instincts may cause them to isolate if they are afraid, so bring them inside early to stop them from running away.
- Keep newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes. Feed animals moist or canned food so they will need less drinking water.
- Separate dogs and cats. The anxiety of an emergency situation can cause pets to act irrationally.
- If you evacuate your home, do not leave pets behind.
Make a pet emergency kit. Here’s a quick list of what to include:
- Pet food
- Bottled water
- Medications
- Veterinary records
- Cat litter/pan
- Manual can opener
- First aid kit
There are far more details and tips available on the Pet and Animal Emergency Planning website, and many excellent videos on YouTube. Plan now and you’ll be prepared in an emergency!
