Released May 31, 2011
STILLWATER, Okla. – Already this spring many parts of Oklahoma, and the country for that matter, have seen the devastation that a tornado brings. Lives have been lost, property destroyed and the landscape changed forever.
It is important for everyone to have a weather emergency plan in place, and make sure that plan includes everyone in the family, even the furry, feathered and finned members.
Dr. Carolynn MacAllister, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension veterinarian, said pet owners should take extra precautions to prepare for weather-related and other emergencies.
How to prepare before an emergency
“The time to make a plan is before a storm or other emergency arises,” MacAllister said. “Since we’re already well into severe weather season, it’s important to get an emergency plan in place immediately if you don’t have one already. While you’re stocking up on bottled water and fresh batteries for the flashlights, make sure you have all of the essentials on hand to care for your pets should you need to evacuate to a safe place. Keep in mind that you may have to leave your home for several days, depending on the emergency situation, and your pets will need to accompany you. Pets that are left behind in disaster situations can be injured or lost, so it is important to plan ahead.”
Items to have on hand and assembled in an emergency preparedness kit include pet food, water, a photo of the animal and a strong leash and muzzle. An emergency preparedness kit could be a backpack or plastic container that is easily transported. It also is a good idea to have a record of current vaccinations and medical history with the contact information of the pet’s veterinarian in the kit. Make sure you have proper identification on your pet, such as a collar with ID tags that include the owner’s name and phone number. Microchip identification is highly recommended to ensure your pet is properly identified in case of an emergency.
“In the event that you have to evacuate your home, be sure you have identified a safe place to go, and remember that Red Cross disaster shelters can’t accept pets. Check around in your area at different shelters and inquire about pet acceptance,” she said. “If a shelter isn’t available and you need to stay in a hotel for a few days, keep a list handy of the nearby hotels that will allow pets. Other emergency shelter options for pets include a boarding facility or the home of friends or family.”
MacAllister said pets can react to changes in their environment and stressful situations by trying to run away or hide. In an effort to get away, they may bite or scratch their owners or the person trying to help them. Always keep pets under control with a leash or in a carrier while you are evacuating and at your safe place, especially if it is a public location.
It is not just dogs and cats that need to have some type of identification and records in the event of an emergency. Birds, small mammals and reptiles should have photos and medical records in an emergency preparedness kit. Birds that are being evacuated should be carried in a covered cage to minimize stress. This will also help keep the birds warm.
“Pets are part of the family and rely on their owners to take care of them and keep them safe,” MacAllister said. “Make sure your family emergency plan includes all of your pets.”
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Oklahoma State University, http://oces.okstate.edu/craig/copy_of_countytemplate/Members/trisha.gedon-40okstate.edu/include-pets-when-preparing-a-weather-emergency-plan
Writer: Trisha Gedon, 405-744-3625,trisha.gedon@okstate.edu
