Preparing
Companion Animals for an Emergency
The
recent tragic events in this country have made
us painfully aware of our own vulnerability. Now
more than ever it is vital for all of us with
companion animals to create an emergency plan.
When
faced with an emergency the most important thing
to do is to remain as calm and rational as possible.
Panicking will only put you and your animals in
further danger.
In
this space we cannot possibly cover everything
you will need to know. Visit the website of the
Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov
for additional information on disaster preparation.
The
tips on this page are very general and apply chiefly
to dogs and cats. Exotic companion animals such
as birds, reptiles, and fish will need additional
supplies and help in order to survive. You may
need to contact a rescue group that specializes
in these animals to get specific instructions.
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You've got
to leave-Right Now!
You've
been told to evacuate your building, an area, or even
an entire city. It is imperative that you take your
animals with you, because you do not know when or if
you will be allowed to return for them. Keep in mind
that if your home is not safe enough for you, it is
not safe enough for your animals.
Even
if emergency workers tell you that you must leave your
building NOW and to take nothing with you, this is still
going to be the easiest time to get your animals out
safely.
To
prepare for this circumstance you need a plan so you
can get yourself and your animals out of harm's way
quickly and efficiently. When you create your plan keep
your companion animal's personality and behavior in
mind and be sure to practice several times so you can
remember the steps easily.Try
to assemble the items you will need into one accessible
location, preferably near your door:
- One
carrier for each animal (who needs one!) assembled,
clean, and ready to use. Place a clean towel or soft
cloth in each carrier.Copies
of your animal's vaccination and vet records in a
plastic ziplock bag inside your emergency kit.Food
(preferably a week's supply), bottled water, medications,
a first aid kit, and other appropriate supplies in
a box or bag near your door.A
leash for each animal who needs oneA
disposable litter box and litter (if your animal uses
litter)
- A
flashlight and extra batteries
Also
be certain to bring any medications your animal needs.
You might even wish to grab a comfort item or two, like
a favorite bed or toy, to ease your animal through this
rough time.
Creating
your own personal escape plan
Carrier
ideas for people whose pets don't like carriers
- Get
your animals accustomed to the carriers or crates
by giving them treats or food in them, with
the door open, of course.If
your pet is scared of the carrier, consider
buying a separate "emergency carrier"
that looks different from the "vet and
vacation carrier." Put appealing bedding
inside it, remove the door temporarily, and
let your pet explore it at will.This
will not be possible for everyone, but here
goes: Train your pet to go inside the "emergency
carrier" when she is frightened. Use positive
reinforcement techniques and comforting toys,
treats, etc. to lure your pet into the carrier
during thunderstorms, or whenever something
scares her.Involve
your pet in "disaster drills" where
you place her in the carrier briefly, go out
of the door, walk around, come back, and then
liberally reward her with praise, treats, and
a fun game.
- Place
the "emergency carrier" in a place
that your pet already associates with safety,
like the back of the closet and then leave the
door off so she can go in whenever she feels
ready.
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Unfortunately,
one escape plan cannot work for every person or family
out there; and one plan will not work in all situations.
It's important to realistically consider your specific
circumstances when creating your plan. It is going to
be a lot easier for someone with one dog to get out
of a dangerous area, than someone with five cats and
a parrot. Also if your companion animal has a tendency
to panic you might want to consider how you will calm
her and convince her to come along.Create
a back-up plan in case something goes wrong with your
first plan: for example, after the collapse of the twin
towers, many people fled Manhattan on foot and found
the roads impassible for cars. While your car may be
an important part of your emergency plan, consider a
back-up plan in case your car is disabled, or the roads
are blocked.Practice,
practice, practice. Run your own "fire drills."
Leaving
by car
If
you are lucky enough to have a car (or a friend with
a car) you may be able to evacuate with more supplies
and to safely and comfortably transport your animals
out of danger. You may wish to keep certain items in
your car ahead of time to streamline your evacuation
process: a disposable litterbox (if you have cats),
litter, a week's supply of food, several bottles of
water, clean towels and sheets, a first aid kit, leashes,
etc. Even keep extra carriers (collapsible) in case
you spot other domestic animals fleeing by themselves
as you are leaving.
Leaving
on foot
If
you have only one animal to worry about, leaving on
foot should not be too much of a problem, but if you
have multiple animals, or special needs animals you
may need additional supplies and preparation. Here are
some tips:
- If
you will need to carry your animals in multiple carriers,
consider purchasing a folding cart, a wagon, or even
dolley on which you can push your animals (and emergency
supplies) to safety. Use secure cords, either bungee
cords or luggage straps, to keep the carriers from
shifting or falling.Consider
purchasing dog booties for your dog--they could protect
his or her feet from debris, broken glass, or even
hot coals as you walk to safety. If you plan to use
them, get him or her accustomed to them beforehand
by using them on walks from time to time.
- Cover
carriers with towels or sheets to keep animals calm
and to protect them from smoke and fumes.
Finding
a safe place to go
Many
emergency shelters will not allow companion animals,
so consider where you can stay if forced to evacuate
your home. Call local hotels and motels to find which
will allow animals, or visit www.petswelcome.com to
find a listing of companion animal-friendly lodgings.
You might arrange to stay with friends or family in
the event of an emergency, or you could network with
other animal-people to make emergency plans. If
you absolutely cannot take your animals with you, or
must go to shelter that does not permit animals, you
may be able to board your animals with a vet, a kennel,
or as a last resort, your local shelter. Make certain
your animals are all wearing tags and have their vet
records with them. You may wish to speak to your vet
now about the possibility of emergency boarding, as
vets, kennels, and shelters all become overwhelmed with
animals during emergencies. I would suggest this only
as a back up plan though, in most cases your animals
will be safest and more emotionally healthy if they
remain with you.
Staying
Put
Keep
in mind that fleeing is not always the best answer.
Recently in College Park, MD, two students were killed
when they tried to escape a tornado in their car. During
a hurricane, tornado, or even a potential biological/chemical
weapons attack your best course of defense might be
to stay where you are. Try to weigh the situation, for
example you may be warned about a hurricane or potential
flood early enough to calmly and efficiently evacuate.
If you have little or no warning try to find the nearest
safe place and take immediate steps to protect yourself
and your animals.Tornado:
In the event of a tornado experts advise people
to go into the centers of their homes or buildings,
on the ground floor or below, and keep in the center
of the room. Keep your animals with you and do not allow
them to roam about. Stay clear of tall furniture or
other items that might fall on you, or simply turn them
onto their sides yourself. Watch out for pictures, mirrors,
or light fixtures that might swing or fall should the
building shake. Keep away from windows or other glass
that might shatter. If possible hide beneath a sturdy
piece of furniture (an extremely solid table or desk)
to protect you from falling debris.Chemical/Biological
Attack: Experts say that if you have reason to suspect
a chemical or environmental attack outdoors, you should
remain inside. Close all doors and seal all windows.
Put damp towels along any gaps, even small ones. Turn
off the air conditioning, heat pump, or ventilation
system. Keep your animals with you and get into a secure
area of your home. Again, keep away from windows and
doors. If you suspect you or your animals have been
exposed immerse yourselves in water if possible, or
at least shower. Listen to the radio to learn when it
will be safe to venture out and seek medical or veterinary
assistance.Flash
Flood: Do not try to drive or walk in a sudden flash
flood; you could be swept away, even in shallow water.
Evacuate early if possible. If you do not have enough
time to leave, try to reach high ground without going
through the water, or get on top of your home or building
and wait for help. Keep your animals with you in crates
or on leashes so they will not jump into the water and
be swept away.Even
if you are remaining at home, emergency supplies are
vital. Make sure you have a sufficient supply of fresh
water, preserved food (both pet food and human food),
a first aid kit, warm blankets, carriers, etc. FEMA
suggests that during a natural disaster you fill all
the sinks, tubs, and other containers in your home with
water, in case the water supply is disrupted.
An
Animal First Aid Kit
- A
brochure, sheet, or booklet on first aid for companion
animals (available from several animal related charities)GauzeMedical
tape (elastic)Band-AidsAce
BandageAntibiotic
OintmentSterile
saline solution (for flushing eyes, noses, and ears)ScissorsTweezersHydrogen
PeroxideClean
towelsStyptic
pencil or powder (stops bleeding)Fluids
and feeding syringe (to rehydrate a dehydrated animal)
- A
safe diarrhea medication--check with your vet to find
one that is ok for your animal and to learn the correct
dosage
If
the Emergency Occurs While You're Away
There
is always a danger that a disaster may occur when you
are away from home and you will be unable to return
in time to get your animals out. If
possible arrange for a neighbor to get your animals
out when you are away. Be sure that they have a key,
are familiar with your animals, and can find the carriers
and all other supplies. Ask them to practice your evacuation
drill with you. It might be a good idea for them to
feed your animals from time to time to foster trust.
Provide them with written instructions and a list of
your animals so they don't panic and forget.Many
animals fear their carriers and crates because they
associate them with vet trips or other unpleasant experiences.
This can make it very hard for a friend or neighbor
to get your animals to safety. Try to create a pleasant
association using the carrier tips above.If
you cannot get your animals out, and nobody else has
been able to help you, you will need to concentrate
on getting your animals out as quickly as possible.
This is never easy, but here are some thoughts:
- Put
a taped, clearly readable, paper sign in a window
or door stating how many animals you have, what kind,
etc. Replace the sign periodically. Firefighters report
that because window stickers are so hard to remove,
and often look old, dirty, or faded, they usually
assume stickers are out of date. A new paper sign
will confirm that the animals still live there.If
possible keep readable, new tags on your companion
animals, with both daytime and evening number listed,
possibly even an emergency contact if you cannot be
reached. Although tags wear out quickly and can fall
off they are a good low-tech solution. If a firefighter
is the first person to find your animal she/he can
easily read the tag and ask someone to contact you.
While implanted microchips may be a good idea in addition
to tags, many shelters do not have the technology
to read them, so don't depend on a microchip to bring
your animal home.
- Keep
up to date photos and records of your animals in a
safe location, such as at work. If your animals are
missing it is a good idea to make flyers with a photo
on them. Give copies of the photos (with your name
and contact info on the actual picture) to local shelters
and vets. It will be easier for them to match the
photo with your animal, rather than going on a vague
description. If you think your animal may be in the
shelter, go there yourself immediately to look for
him or her, don't just call. The person answering
the phone may not be aware of animals that just came
in or might miss your animal's distinguishing features.
Also a simple written error, such as putting brown
instead of tan on the cage slip could prevent you
from identifying your animal over the phone.
When
your animal is still in your home
Immediately
get as close to your home or building as possible, and
repeatedly ask the police, fire fighters, volunteers,
etc to please let you go get your animals. Sometimes
officials will only allow a brief period of time for
people to help their animals, or you may be dependent
on finding a fire fighter with the time to assist you.
You will want to be on the scene in order to fully utilize
these small windows of opportunity.Be
polite and respectful to those in charge, but repeatedly
state your need to save your animals. They will be more
likely to want to help you if you are being nice instead
of antagonistic. Keep in mind though, that they are
primarily there to save injured humans, put out fires,
and prevent further human injuries and deaths. So your
animals are low on their list of priorities.If
you cannot get home to save your animals yourself, call
Peta, HSUS, or the ASPCA (or call all 3!). These organizations
were able to get trained animal rescuers into restricted
areas of Manhattan following the WTC collapse, so they
may be able to help your animals. But keep in mind that
rescuers are very busy during emergencies, and your
animals may not trust them, so it's important for you
to do everything you can to get to your animals yourself.
Some
General Advice--Take Care of Yourself
You
will not be able to care for your animals if you are
unconscious, dead, or severely injured. So, attend to
your own safety immediately in the event of an emergency
and then take care of your animals. For example, if
there are noxious fumes in the area, first cover your
nose and mouth with a damp cloth, and then place your
animals in their carriers and cover the carriers with
damp cloths. If you are injured, attend to your wound,
stop the bleeding, and then help your animals--you don't
want to pass out from the blood loss.
Your
Animal's Future Without You
Even
if you don't live or work in a high-risk area, you should
consider what might become of their companion animals
if you die unexpectedly, or even if you are injured
or cannot return home.
- Make
your wishes clear: The Humane Society of the United
States has information available on providing for
your animals in your will. Discuss your animals with
your family, and send them a letter re-stating what
you discussed. In many cases, unless you have a clear,
legal will, that is immediately produced, your animals
will become the responsibility of your family. Don't
leave their future to chance.The
buddy system: Arrange with a friend or neighbor that
in the event you are killed or missing they will immediately
come over and care for your animals, and you will
do the same for theirs if they are hurt.
-
Godparents: While it is not always possible to do
this, try to find individuals willing to care for
your animals long-term if something happens to you.
Often this is a reciprocal agreement.
Finally,
Reasons to feel safe
It
is important not to let fear ruin your life, or your
pet's life. Even after September 11th your statistical
chances of being hurt in a terrorist attack or other
disaster are fairly low. Driving to work every day is
more dangerous. Being prepared can help you to remain
calm should anything happen.
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Article by Neva Davis
Article
Sources:
Federal
Emergency Management Agency
Humane Society of the
United States
People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animal
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