Imagine waking to the floor shaking underneath you and picture frames falling to the floor. If you live in California, it is a normal occurrence but for this North Carolina girl, it scared the mess out of me.
That is exactly how I woke this Sunday morning here in North Carolina.
As if 2020 can’t get any weirder…
Hurricanes though, now that is a different story. Every year, from June to November, Carolinians are on alert and although the coast is usually more vulnerable, the entire state can, and often does, suffer the effects. When hurricanes make landfall, the weather changes are typically far-reaching; causing high winds and tornadoes.
Just last week, we had our first big hurricane of the season; Hurricane Isaias.
Some areas experienced devastating losses. I have a close friend whose car was completely flooded and will most likely be totaled.
Governor Cooper declared North Carolina a state of emergency ahead of Hurricane Isaias. As if just getting through COVID isn’t enough right now… SMH.
Anyway, that had me thinking about the importance of always being prepared for the unexpected. Because, well, if 2020 has taught us anything, it is to expect the unexpected. Am I right?!?!
It’s one thing to have an emergency escape plan for your family but what about those of us with pets. That can be a little more complicated.
Before Hurricane Katrina, there was no law that stated all pets and service animals need to be evacuated, rescued, and sheltered during an emergency or disaster. When the deadly storm hit the state of Louisiana, an estimated 600,000 animals were left behind, deserted, and thousands died from drowning, starvation, and sickness.
The devastating affect of Katrina prompted the government, both local and federal, to either change their policies or add new ones to include the safety of these pets and service animals. In addition, different agencies are also teaming up with the government and local animal rescues that will protect our pets in times of disasters.
Our pets depend on us for their safety and survival. As pet owners, we have the obligation to know what to do in case a disaster strikes, which can occur at a moment’s notice. Whether they are natural disasters such as fires, storms and floods, or man-made disasters such as terrorist attacks, the best way to keep yourself, family (and fur-babies) safe is through proper planning.
Having a good plan of action guarantees the safety and survival of you, your family, and your dogs.
The best time to think about the safety of your dog is before a disaster strikes. Proper planning and preparation is the key to keeping your dog safe and secure during this frightening time.
Keep in mind the following safety measures:
1. Crate train your dog. In case of an emergency or disaster, you should be able to put your dog in the crate as soon as possible and without difficulty.
2. You may have to ask a neighbor to help you with the evacuation, especially if you have more than one pet.
3. Plan ahead of time. If you are away from your home when disaster strikes, designate someone who can go to your house as soon as possible to rescue your dogs.
4. Know ahead of time where you are taking your dog, during and after the disaster, until you can safely go back to your home.
5. Leave your house as soon as you receive the notice to evacuate. Never wait until the last minute.
6. Even if the disaster does not strike, evacuation is still necessary until you are absolutely sure that you and your pets are going to be safe.
The American Red Cross has modified its policy on pets. The organization is now joining forces with local animal welfare agencies all over the country to establish shelters that can accommodate pets in separate rooms or in a facility in the same location.
7. Keep a disaster supply kit for your dog in a convenient location in the house. Among these important items, be sure to include food and water (at least 3 days supply for each pet), a first aid kit, crate, can opener, medicines, updated photo of your pet, leashes and harnesses, and newspaper or potty pads. Also, have all medical and vaccination records readily available and in one convenient location.
Some evacuation shelters allow pets but you will need your own supplies and proof of updated vaccination records are required. If you can’t find a pet-friendly shelter, make sure you keep a list of pet-friendly hotels outside of the evacuation areas.
The last thing you need to be doing when a disaster strikes is hunting around for pet records. You need to have everything, including an updated photo of your pet in the event he gets separated from you, in one convenient place.
If you are in need of a place to organize and keep your important pet information, I invite you to check out this Dog Journal. Click Here
You can use it for journaling but it is so much more; it also helps you organize all of the important information regarding your pup. Everything from medical information and vet visits to walking schedules and grooming and pet sitter information. It’s all there; convenient, organized and in one designated place.
In an emergency, you can just grab it and go.
8. Finally, make sure that your dog wears an ID tag with a current phone number securely fastened to his collar. This number should be to a cell phone that you carry with you at all times.
Disaster Preparation: Pets Evacuation & Transportation Standards Act (PETS)
No doubt, Hurricane Katrina was devastating. But if anything good came from it, it was the PETS Act.
President Bush signed a new federal law in October of 2006 called the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act. This act states that FEMA is required to include the needs of individuals with companion pets and service animals. It also states that evacuation rescues for emergency or major disaster is included in the funding of state as well as local disaster plans. The act also allows FEMA to help rescue pets and other service animals before, during, and after a disaster occurs.
Animal control departments and local humane societies are also using the World Wide Web to post pictures and descriptions of pets to help reunite them with their owners in the event they are separated during a disaster. For more information, call your local animal agency.
Natural disasters are scary. They can strike without warning. The best way to maintain some control over an unpredictable disaster is by having a disaster plan. And for pet parents, this plan should include the safety of your fur-babies.
Make sure you have all important medical records, vaccinations and updated photos in one convenient spot that you can just grab and go in an emergency situation.
Grab a complete dog journal here and start getting organized today.
There shouldn’t be any reasons precious pets should be abandoned and left behind during a disaster.
I would never want anyone to have to make such a heartbreaking decision. With a proper plan in place, you shouldn’t ever be put in such a position.
Stay safe my friends! We are in some weird times and if I have learned anything this year, it is to expect the unexpected.
Be prepared and have a plan.
’til next time,
