Thursday, June 22, 2006
Disaster Preparation for Pets
GET READY
by Gina Spadafori
The first time I wrote about disaster preparation for pets, some 20 years ago, there wasn't much to write about. I called a disaster-response official and he seemed rather puzzled at the questions I wasn't asking. Pets? Who cares?
Finally, he told me people should open big bags of pet food, fill the bathtub with water and leave their pets behind. His whole attitude: What's the big fuss? They're just pets!
I'll guarantee you no disaster-response expert would dare voice such an opinion today. And it's not just because they recognize that animals are worth saving -- because it's possible many still don't. What has become apparent over the years is that if no plans are made for pets, people won't leave their homes. And when people won't leave, that puts everyone in greater peril.
But even though it's true that government on all levels has a greater interest in helping people and pets in time of disaster, it's still pretty much up to each of us to be ready to care for our animal companions. With another hurricane season upon us -- and no community immune from the threat of disaster -- it's a good time to review your plans and your pets' place in them.
Start your preparations with something you've probably already taken care of: Make sure your pets have ID.
Most animals will survive a disaster, but many never see their families again because there's no way to determine which pet belongs to which family if the animals go missing, a common occurrence even under normal circumstances. That's why dogs and cats should always wear a collar and identification tags.
Once your pet has up-to-date ID, it's time to collect some equipment to help you cope in case of an emergency. A big storage bin with a lid and handles is an ideal place to keep everything you need together and at hand.
Keep several days' worth of drinking water and pet food as well as any necessary medicines, rotating the stock regularly. For canned goods, don't forget to pack a can opener and a spoon. Lay in a supply of empty plastic bags, along with paper towels, both for cleaning up messes and for sealing them away until they can be safely tossed.
For cats, pack a bag of litter and some disposable litter trays.
Even normally docile pets can behave in uncharacteristic ways when stressed by an emergency, which makes restraints essential for the safety of pets and people alike. For dogs, leashes should always be at hand.
Shipping crates are probably the least-thought-of pieces of emergency equipment for pets, but are among the most important. Sturdy crates keep pets of all kinds safe while increasing housing options. Crated pets may be allowed in hotel rooms that are normally off-limits to pets, or can be left in a pinch with veterinarians or shelters that are already full, since the animals come with rooms of their own.
Final item of restraint for dogs and cats: a soft muzzle, because frightened or injured pets are more likely to bite. And don't forget to put first-aid supplies in your disaster kit, along with a book on how to treat pet injuries.
You may never have to pull out your disaster kit, but it's always good to be prepared.
Back to the official response: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the American Kennel Club, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society of the United States, has put together a free emergency preparedness brochure for pet lovers. Visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY for more information.
by Gina Spadafori
The first time I wrote about disaster preparation for pets, some 20 years ago, there wasn't much to write about. I called a disaster-response official and he seemed rather puzzled at the questions I wasn't asking. Pets? Who cares?
Finally, he told me people should open big bags of pet food, fill the bathtub with water and leave their pets behind. His whole attitude: What's the big fuss? They're just pets!
I'll guarantee you no disaster-response expert would dare voice such an opinion today. And it's not just because they recognize that animals are worth saving -- because it's possible many still don't. What has become apparent over the years is that if no plans are made for pets, people won't leave their homes. And when people won't leave, that puts everyone in greater peril.
But even though it's true that government on all levels has a greater interest in helping people and pets in time of disaster, it's still pretty much up to each of us to be ready to care for our animal companions. With another hurricane season upon us -- and no community immune from the threat of disaster -- it's a good time to review your plans and your pets' place in them.
Start your preparations with something you've probably already taken care of: Make sure your pets have ID.
Most animals will survive a disaster, but many never see their families again because there's no way to determine which pet belongs to which family if the animals go missing, a common occurrence even under normal circumstances. That's why dogs and cats should always wear a collar and identification tags.
Once your pet has up-to-date ID, it's time to collect some equipment to help you cope in case of an emergency. A big storage bin with a lid and handles is an ideal place to keep everything you need together and at hand.
Keep several days' worth of drinking water and pet food as well as any necessary medicines, rotating the stock regularly. For canned goods, don't forget to pack a can opener and a spoon. Lay in a supply of empty plastic bags, along with paper towels, both for cleaning up messes and for sealing them away until they can be safely tossed.
For cats, pack a bag of litter and some disposable litter trays.
Even normally docile pets can behave in uncharacteristic ways when stressed by an emergency, which makes restraints essential for the safety of pets and people alike. For dogs, leashes should always be at hand.
Shipping crates are probably the least-thought-of pieces of emergency equipment for pets, but are among the most important. Sturdy crates keep pets of all kinds safe while increasing housing options. Crated pets may be allowed in hotel rooms that are normally off-limits to pets, or can be left in a pinch with veterinarians or shelters that are already full, since the animals come with rooms of their own.
Final item of restraint for dogs and cats: a soft muzzle, because frightened or injured pets are more likely to bite. And don't forget to put first-aid supplies in your disaster kit, along with a book on how to treat pet injuries.
You may never have to pull out your disaster kit, but it's always good to be prepared.
Back to the official response: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the American Kennel Club, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Humane Society of the United States, has put together a free emergency preparedness brochure for pet lovers. Visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY for more information.
