Pet Safety Tips for Specific Natural Disasters
Huricanes, Wildfires, Earthquakes and Floods
Jun 17, 2009
Although it is difficult to teach someone not to get stressed, being as prepared as you can be for any situation in life can help lessen the panic that sets in when the worst happens. Follow general Disaster Preparedness Tips, but also take special care depending on which of the following natural disasters are likely to occur in your part of the world.
Hurricanes
The one good thing to be said about Hurricanes is that they are predictable -- The National Hurricane Center tracks weather patterns and notes possible disturbances long before they pose a threat. It's imperative that you monitor your local news channels and once a Hurricane Watch is issued, realize you have 24 - 36 hours before it hits, so do the following:
- Keep pets indoors and easily accessible should you need to suddenly pack them up and leave. Cats can sense impending doom and often hide, so get them into a carrier early.
- Stay tuned to news stations for evacuation routes and make sure you completely understand the plan.
- Have at least one week's food, water and any medications stored for your pets and prep your house for the storm (board-up windows, stow away items that can blow such as patio furniture, secure gates, etc.).
A Hurricane Warning is issued when the storm is 24 hours away or less. Complete all preparations before the rains and high winds arrive, and stay in your home only if it is safe. If you evacuate, take Fido and Fluffy with you.
Wildfires
Once underway, Wildfires can consume millions of acres and blow in changing directions. For this reason, you should plan several escape routes for you and your pets in the event the flames block your path.
- Create a “fire break” around your home by clearing away vegetation, especially dead brush, about 30 feet from all structures.
- Use fabric, rope or leather leashes and collars. Nylon ones melt when heated and can badly burn your pet.
- Take all animals with you. Monitor your pets for burns and smoke inhalation. Knowing how to perform Rescue Breathing & CPR could save your dog’s life!
Earthquakes
Unlike most natural disasters, there is no advanced warning for an earthquake allowing no time for last minute precautions. In addition to covering the three steps above:
- Never position dog runs, crates or enclosures underneath objects that could fall during a tremor.
- Add a pair of bolt cutters to your disaster kit in case damaged cages or fencing need opening.
- Know where to turn off the gas to your house, barn or kennels.
- Include your pets in the family earthquake drill and make sure all family members know how to handle them realizing that a frightened pet may bite or scratch.
- If you board your pet, make sure the facility knows of your earthquake preparedness plans.
Should an earthquake occur, confine your pets. Dogs that escape sometimes return at mealtime, but there are no guarantees! Be prepared to handle cut and burned paws, know how to splint broken bones and stop bleeding in humans and animals alike. In other words, take a Pet First-Aid Class before you wish you had.
Floods
Floods can affect any part of the world and can even be confined to only your home or apartment building. Every year though hundreds of thousands of people are forced to evacuate due to rising water. Slowly rising water is usually due to rivers, streams or even a pipe leak in your home. Flash floods however can hit quickly caused by heavy rain or melting snow as well as failure to a dam or reservoir.
- Map out several evacuation routes for yourself and your four-legged family; don't rely on only one which may be in the path of the floodwater. Head for the nearest high ground with your pets, and it is always better to err on the side of caution and evacuate early. If it is a false alarm, you and your family have practiced a meaningful drill instead of the real thing.
- Never leave any animal behind or certainly don't tie up an animal if flood waters threaten. You can not anticipate how how water may rise, so even birds enclosed on high perches could perish.
- Remember that danger of disease can be an issue after a flood. Keep pets away from standing water. Have a good fresh supply of water on hand for everyone (1/2 gallon per day for small dogs; 1 gallon for larger animals) as even tap water may not be safe if contaminated water has entered the drinking supply.
Preparing for the worst may just prevent the worst from happening!
