June 1st is the official start of the Atlantic Hurricane season, and if you have been listening to the morning news networks, you already knew that. Forecasters are predicting an active season-similar to 2005 (remember Katrina?), so before things get busy make a plan to safely evacuate yourself and your pets.
If the tragedy of hurricane Katrina had a silver lining, it is that it called attention to how essential it is that public shelters and evacuation plans include provisions for pets. So many people who stayed behind in New Orleans, and perished, did so because they did not want to leave their pets behind.
Most public shelters do not allow pets, so pet owners who live in areas prone to natural disasters (hurricanes are just the tip of the iceberg…wildfires, flooding, ice storms and nor’easters also take a heavy toll.) should make an evacuation plan and keep an evacuation kit in their car. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) recommends that you include the following in your kit:
- Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.
- Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also good to include.
- Cat litter box, litter, garbage bags to collect all pets’ waste, and litter scoop.
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can’t escape. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time while you are away from home. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth, and other special items.
- Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove that they are yours.
- Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress.
- Information about your pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.
- Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and household bleach.
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- A frolick in the surf can turn into a swim for life in a hurricane.
