Preparing Your Pets for a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Event

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Keep your pets safe during a storm event with a pet preparedness plan!

For many families, their pets are considered family. When making an emergency readiness plan for storm events pets, although very loved, are often left out. This oversight can make for untold heartache during and after a storm. After Hurricane Matthew in 2016, hundreds of pets were separated from their owners. Fortunately, regular county and temporary rescue shelters were able to accommodate the influx of lost pets during and after the storm. To avoid inadvertent separation from your pet during a storm, have a plane in place.

Before the Storm

Microchip your pet. A registered and up-to-date microchip is the fastest way to become reunited with your pet if you become separated.

Keep a collar on your pet with tags that have current contact information.

Have a pet carrier ready with your pet’s name and your contact information written on the carrier. Keep a spare leash in the carrier.

Know where your pet will be staying, if not with you.  In the event of an emergency, many shelters do not provide an option for pets. You will need to have a facility to shelter them should you be required to evacuate and cannot take them with you to your final location.

Disaster Supply Kits

Your pet should have its own disaster supply kit. Your veterinarian may be able to assist you in planning an individualized kit that is right for your pet. Some common items include:

2 weeks worth of food

Water

Plastic bags and/or litter boxes and litter

Paper towels and cleaning agents

Medications

Medical records

Familiar toys and blankets

Photo of the pet with members of the family. This will help with identification in case you are separated from your pet.

After the Storm

If your pet’s food was exposed to floodwater, throw it out. Floodwaters could be contaminated and the food would not be safe for consumption.

Do not let your pet walk in the flood waters. They may lick their paws before you have a chance to clean them, exposing them to harmful contaminants.

Like you, after returning home, pets could be stressed and confused. Keep them inside as much as possible until they are reacclimated with their environment.

Like you, our technicians care about their families and the community they live in. They work hard to restore order after any-sized disaster. If you have storm related damage call us today at 919-790-1222.

Sources:

www.ncdps.gov

www.cdc.gov