Hurricanes: Preparedness & Evacuation Plan For Pet Owners

Planning for emergencies with pets is an essential aspect of emergency preparedness for the home and significantly increases the probability of getting your pet evacuated to safety. One of the best actions you can take as a responsible pet owner is to prepare an emergency plan for your pet.

Pet owners can do a variety of ways to prepare for natural disasters, such as bushfires, floods, and hurricanes. 

Pet-Friendly Emergency Preparations

You don’t get much warning when you hear a hurricane is approaching. It causes panic, and you frequently forget what you need to do and forget important things, such as your beloved pet or things that can cause rejection from animal shelters; this is why a pet emergency plan is essential. 

A Pet Emergency Plan Should Include Three Sections:

  • Preventative
  • During
  • After

What Should You Do Before a Hurricane?

If you’re able to leave before a storm comes in is the best method to stay safe. It requires some additional preparation on the part of pet owners. The information needed can be obtained before the storm since you’ll be very busy when the hurricane hits.

Hurricane causes a lot of destruction, like water damage to your property. In this case, finding a reputable restoration company is not easy. You can always search for “water damage restoration near me” to locate the nearest facility in your area.

Look for the nearest shelters

Ask about the types of pets they will accept and specific restrictions for pets. Check if they can accommodate your pet. Unfortunately, animal shelters only operate on a first-come and first-served basis in an emergency. If you send your pet to the shelter, ensure that you have great meals and water bowls.

Prepare contact lists

Before the storm, create a list of the contacts for your pet and decide if you’ll keep them at the home of a friend or family member in the area of emergency or put them in an animal shelter or vet clinic. Be sure that this is part of your plan to escape.

Give your pet an identification tag

One of the measures to prevent disease is to make sure the pet’s vaccines remain up to date and that your pet wears a collar that has an ID tag.

Prepare a comfortable pet carrier

You’ll need a pet carrier sufficient so that the pet can get and then turn around. Put it in a safe spot. We suggest keeping their proof of vaccination in the bag.

Photographs with your pet

According to Dawson, pet owners should take pictures of their pets. They can keep them on their phones or keep a copy along with other important documents. If your pet is lost and loses its identity, keeping this picture available can help you reclaim your pet in animal shelters or rescue services.

Keep yourself updated

Being aware of your situation allows you to make educated decisions regarding your safety and protect your pets and loved ones. It greatly improves your chances of being evacuated safely.

You’ll be ready when a hurricane strikes if you’ve got all your pet’s emergency equipment listed in your pet’s emergency plan. Follow your pet’s emergency plan whenever you get a hurricane warning. This way, you are not likely to forget important details.

What Should You Do After a Hurricane?

Incorporate procedures for after the storm in your pet’s emergency plan. They may appear easy, but they can be extremely destructive for animals and humans.

  1. Check your home for pets that might have entered the house during the storm or if it needs mold treatment. They could be poisonous or dangerous to pets.
  2. Find downed power lines in your yard.
  3. Pay attention to your pet’s behavior. Natural catastrophes like hurricanes may cause pets to become aggressive.

If you cannot devote the time or can’t find an animal shelter that accepts rescue and you have to leave your pet at home, ensure they are safe and sound. If your pet has gone lost, you can use the picture to create posters. And hopefully, wearing an identification collar or collar on your pet, they will reach you shortly and help you reunite with your animal friend.

If the hurricane damage your property. It is always best to seek professional help from a reputable company. You can always visit their website to learn more about their services.

Finally

Simple steps like drafting an emergency plan for your pet can assist in making sure you don’t miss everything when you are evacuating. Ensure you have all the important details, like vaccination records. 

Animal shelters may reject you if you fail to do these, so be sure to follow these suggestions to ensure your pet’s safety during this storm season.

Logo