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http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/be_a_lifesaver_disaster_planning_can
_save_your_pet_in_an_emergency.html
Be a Lifesaver: Disaster Planning Can Save Your Pet in an Emergency
©2002 Kathy Milani/HSUS
The scruffy-looking dog without a collar almost didn't make it. Sixty
days after the hurricane had hit he was still lingering at the
Suncoast Humane Society in Englewood, Florida, waiting for his family
to claim him.
But that morning in 2004, on a whim, Debra Parsons-Drake, executive
director at Suncoast, decided that the aging pooch would be one of
the dogs featured on a live news segment designed to showcase animals
that had been displaced during the storm. A few minutes after the
segment ended, Parsons-Drake received an anxious phone call—the dog's
guardian had seen the program and she was eager to be reunited with
the family's beloved pet. It was the same day that her 9-year-old son
was scheduled to see a therapist to help him deal with their personal
tragedy. The family had lost everything—everything, except their dog.
Expect the unexpected. The phrase is repeated so often that it has
lost its power and gravity. Does anyone really expect, let alone plan
for, that one day when their home, vehicle, possessions, and all
means of communication will suddenly be gone? Does anyone expect to
find themselves in the same position as that poor family in Florida?
Yet that's what happens to many people every year during hurricane
and tornado season. No matter where you live, the unexpected can
occur. Disasters come in all forms. From blizzards to wildfires,
earthquakes to hurricanes, terrorist attacks to floods, emergencies
occur in all parts of the country, which means that everyone should
have a disaster plan for their family—including one for pets.
"It's crucial to make plans ahead of time to ensure your pets' safety
in times of emergency," says Betsy McFarland, HSUS director of
communications for the Companion Animals section. "Whether it's a
natural disaster or a terrorist attack, you must have a plan in
place. Pets depend on their caregivers to provide for their safety
and well being. Putting a disaster plan into place is just part of
being a good pet caregiver."
Remember that good disaster planning takes every possibility into
consideration. For example, traffic accidents involving hazardous
trucks can close streets and neighborhoods many miles away. What will
you do if you can't get home to care for your pet? Make plans ahead
of time. Arrange for a trusted neighbor who is frequently at home to
evacuate your pets if an evacuation order is issued and you are at
work. Keep a three-day supply of your pet's food, medicines, leash,
veterinary records, and other necessities altogether in a pet carrier
that's ready to go.
Many disasters occur without warning. But if advance notice is given—
whether it's two days or two hours—always take the necessary
precautions. "We recommend that people err on the safe side when it
comes to their animal's and their own safety," says Suncoast's
Parsons-Drake. "During the hurricanes in 2004 many people said that
they waited too long to get out of the area, and by the time the
storm was there they couldn't find their animals."
Parsons-Drake also suggests that, in the case of a severe weather
alert, pet guardians should put a piece of duct tape on their
animal's collar with the name and number of a friend or relative
living out of state since disasters can wipe out landlines and cell
phone service for several days. "We could have saved so many more
animals if people would have realized that all forms of communication
can completely shut down indefinitely, making it nearly impossible
for people to contact you."
Horse guardians are equally susceptible to disasters, particularly
barn fires. A new booklet from the Humane Society of the United
States, Making Your Horse Barn Fire Safe, will help horse owners
prevent tragedy and protect their horses and barns from tragedy. The
booklet can be downloaded or purchased for a small fee.
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/rabbit_horse_and_other_pet_care/prev
enting_horse_barn_fires.html
These are just a few tips for those looking for information on
disaster and emergency preparedness. For more information, visit The
HSUS Disaster Center.
http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/
Whether it's a tornado, a traffic accident or a terrorist attack,
preparedness can help save lives. Pets are part of the family, and
it's imperative that they be included in all family disaster plans.
Remember, they're counting on you.
Copyright © 2004 The Humane Society of the United States. All rights
reserved.
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/be_a_lifesaver_disaster_planning_can
_save_your_pet_in_an_emergency.html
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - June 21, 2005