Disaster Preparation and Response
Animal
rescue efforts following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana
Hurricanes... Earthquakes... Tornadoes... Volcanoes... Tsunamis... Fires... Floods... Cyclones
Natural and man-made disasters occur in every corner of the world. Some we can foresee, and therefore prepare for and take safety measures to avoid. Others strike with sudden and devastating power. The results of any disaster leave us mentally and physically shaken, sometimes injured and isolated. The same is true for our companion animals - injured, disoriented, lost, hiding.
We have an obligation to our companions to prepare for their safety in the event of disaster. We must be prepared to care for them or to transport them to a facility that can care for them while we recover and get back on our feet.
"It won't happen to me."
These words have been spoken countless times by people that have been faced with sudden and unexpected disaster that has changed their lives forever.
It takes only a short time to prepare yourself as well as your pets for safety and increase your chance of reuniting. These are suggestions to help you prepare.
Prior to an event:
- Have your pet microchipped at your veterinarian or animal shelter and don't forget to register the microchip number with the appropriate organization immediately after being microchipped (and keep that information updated and current).
- Keep a collar on your pet at all times, with city or county license tag, microchip tag and up-to-date name ID tag. Recommendation: on an ID tag, have three items printed - dog's name, your cell number, and the number of someone outside your immediate area that can be contacted if you do not have your cell phone with you.
- Make a plan with family, friends and neighbors to check in on each other's animals and pets.
- Set aside, in an easily retrievable backpack, necessary items to keep your pet safe and comfortable for 3 days or more in the aftermath of an event: bottled water, portable dish, dry food, an extra collar with ID tags, an extra leash and all copies of current vaccine records, alternate caregivers and the name of the nearest shelter as well as your pet's veterinarian.
- Include in the backpack a small first aid kit for your pet: large and small bandages, scissors, tweezers, cotton balls and swabs, antibiotic ointment, elastic tape, Vaseline petroleum jelly, eye wash solution, hydrogen peroxide (to induce omitting or clean deep wounds), ear-cleaning solution, and any medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
- Teach your pet to respond to a special whistle and to come to you when he/she hears that whistle. Praise and treat him every time he responds and comes to you. This whistle may be the lifeline between you and your pet during chaotic moments following a disaster.
- Secure bird cages and aquariums so that they are safe during a disaster. Have a carrier ready and stocked with food and bottled water in the event that you must evacuate quickly.
After an event:
- Assess the environment, be certain you are safe from injury prior to retrieving your pet.
- In case of evacuation, have your carriers and emergency backpack in an easy to reach place, (a 32 gallon rolling trash can is a safe and easily transported emergency container) and gather your pets safely.
- If your pet is lost or hiding and you must evacuate, mark your home with spray paint indicating that there is an animal inside that needs to be rescued. Leave plenty of food and water available for several days. Do NOT secure your animal by leash or rope to any objects or furniture. This will prevent them from getting themselves to safety should the need arise.
- Upon your return, talk with neighbors and friends about the outcome of your pet's rescue and enlist their assistance to help you return to your home and/or find your lost and frightened pet.
- Check regularly with the animal shelters and veterinarians in your area and beyond. Animals can travel great distances when frightened, or may be carried out of the area by well-intentioned rescuers.
Be Prepared. It doesn't take long, and it may save your life or that of your loved ones and pets.
It CAN happen to you.
Please go to the Links page for organizations that can help you prepare or respond in a disaster.
Gail S. Green, CPDT, CDT, APTI, ISDT
Berrygrove Dog Training and Behavior
bgdogs1@yahoo.com
