Hanson-Meekins Animal Hospital

JANUARY 2011 NEWSLETTER

ARE YOU PREPARED????

Emergency Pet Preparedness

Expect the unexpected. No matter where you live, the unexpected can occur. Disasters come in all forms. From blizzards to wildfires, earthquakes and hurricanes, terrorist attacks to floods and tornadoes. Emergencies occur in all parts of the country. Everyone should have a disaster plan for their family, including one for pets. Preparedness can help save lives. Pets are part of the family, and its imperative they be included in all family disaster plans. Remember, they’re counting on you.

Planning ahead can make all the difference!

In order to be properly prepared to leave a disaster area with your pet, YOU NEED A PLAN.  At hand and ready to use should be leashes, muzzles, and carriers for each pet. The key to a successful departure is to have resources available with which to transport your pet safely when you have a short window of time in which to evacuate.

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst- case scenario. If you think you may be gone for only a day, assume you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials.

To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:              

1. Know which motels in your area accept pets. Do they have a restriction on size or number of pets?

1. Call local boarding kennels and veterinarians with boarding facilities. Ask about their ability to house animals in case of emergency and/or disaster.

1. Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.

1. Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.

1. Microchip your pet for a more permanent form of identification, it can be read by scanners at most animals shelters and veterinary clinics.

1. Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.

1. Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

1. STAY CALM! Your pet is very attuned to your emotional state. Try to keep your cool so your pets don’t panic. Speak firmly but calmly. Collect your pets.

Rescue Alert Sticker

This easy-to-use sticker notifies people of pets inside your home. Make sure it’s visible to rescue workers, and includes

1. Types and number of pets in your household
   

1. Name of your veterinarian

1. Veterinarians phone number.

If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the stickers.

Order these online OR create your own. They don’t have to be fancy.

Safe Haven

Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind to fend for themselves. Remember, if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. They may become trapped, escape, or be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Red Cross disaster shelters will not accept pets because of health and safety regulations, so it’s imperative you have determined where you will take your pets ahead of time.

(Written by unknown person)

As the winds blow on

And the waters rise deep

You can hear their cries

You can hear them weep

Those you have brought into your home

Those who are loyal, caring and warm.

You feed them each day, and tell them to stay

And now when they need you, don’t turn them away.

When you vowed to love, when you vowed to care,

You vowed to sacrifice, and vowed to prepare.

So now in times of trouble and strife

You are responsible for more than one life.

You need to plan, think, and prepare

For all those who need you

Those who depend on your care.

Remember, they’re counting on you!