READER'S ROCK LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE VOL 2 ISSUE 4 NOVEMBER 2014 Vol 1 Issue 11 May 2014 | Page 72
confusion of a disaster scene.
*
If an impending disaster requires you to
evacuate, take your pet with you. Be
aware of your pet's favorite hiding places
so you'll know where to look when you're
in a hurry to leave.
Before disaster strikes, identify locations
where you could take your pet during an
evacuation; not all disaster shelters for
people will be open to pets. Look for petfriendly hotels or motels, or ask relatives
and friends if they could accommodate
you and your pets.
(BPT) - Americans living in areas prone
to severe storms, floods, earthquakes or
other natural disasters may be well aware
of the philosophy, "Hope for the best, but
plan for the worst." Families with a
disaster plan in place will be better
equipped to stay safe and recover from an
emergency. Too often, however, even the
best planners forget to include provisions
for the four-legged members of the family.
Store an extra safety harness and leash
because even the best-behaved pet may be
frightened in an emergency, causing him
to run and hide.
"When disaster strikes, families may not
have much time to act," says Dr. Ellen I.
Lowery, associate director of U.S.
professional and veterinary affairs at Hill's
Pet Nutrition. "While organizations like
Hill's, through our Disaster Relief
Network, strive to help families and pets
in the wake of natural disasters, it's
important to have a disaster plan ready,
including a well-stocked Pet Emergency
Go-Kit with food, water and other
essentials for your pet."
* If your pet is on any medications, keep a
few days' worth in your kit. Also include
an up-to-date copy of medical records, as
well as contact information for your
veterinarian and additional veterinary and
pet care organizations in your area.
* Include waste cleanup supplies. It's
important to properly dispose of pet waste
to avoid adding health concerns to an
already difficult situation.
* You should have a brief, written
explanation of your pet's feeding routine,
personality and any behavioral issues. In a
disaster, your pet may receive care from
someone who doesn't know him as well as
Despite your best efforts, it may not be
possible to take your pet with you. To
alert first responders to the possible
presence of a pet in the house, place a pet
rescue decal on your front door or
window. It should include your
veterinarian's contact information and any
special notes about your pet's personality
or medical needs. Carry a picture of your
pet in case you become separated.
"Pet displacement during natural disasters
is such a serious issue, the federal
government has even enacted standards
for evacuating and transporting pets
during disasters," Dr. Lowery says. "One
widely quoted report cited Hurricane
Katrina as an example of what can happen
to pets during a natural disaster. The
report said more than 200,000 pets were
displaced during the storm, and the
majority of them were never reunited with
their families."
Last year, Hill's launched the Disaster
Relief Network, a first-of-its-kind national
system that allows the company to quickly
When disaster strikes, will your pets be safe?
Preparedness tips for pet parents
you do.
Dr. Lowery offers some guidance for
putting your "Pet Emergency Go-Kit"
together:
* Include first aid supplies and a first aid
guide book for pets.
* Keep three-day supplies of both your
pet's favorite food - in a waterproof
container - and bottled water.
* Don't forget comfort - include a few
toys and a favorite blanket to keep your
pet comfortable.
Keep your Pet Go-Kit somewhere readily
accessible in an emergency. Be sure your
pet always wears his/her identification - a
microchip or collar ID tag with up-to-date
information may help reunite you with
your pet if you become separated in the
coordinate pet food deliveries in response
to natural disasters. Since its inception,
the network has delivered free food to
more than 50 shelters and veterinary
clinics in response to floods, forest fires,
tornados and mudslides. To learn more
about the network, visit
http://www.hillspet.com/food-shelterlove/emergency-help.html.