The Humane Society of the United States moving equipment and personnel to aid in possible evacuation plans
On the heels of Hurricane Gustav, Tropical Storm Hanna is making its way across the Bahamas and could land anywhere between Florida and the Carolinas later this week. The Humane Society of the United States is urging residents who may be in the path of the storm to gather supplies and review their animal evacuation plans. The HSUS is also monitoring the path of Tropical Storms Ike and Josephine with Ike likely to strike next week.
"As the Gulf Coast is recovering from Hurricane Gustav this week, the Southeast United States is now facing the threat of Tropical Storms Hanna and Ike. With Florida still soaked from Hurricane Fay two weeks ago, another storm could turn the situation there even more serious," said Laura Bevan, director of the Southeast Regional Office of The HSUS. "I urge residents along the Southeast Coast to prepare now for the possibility of evacuation orders by preparing a pet disaster kit and making plans to evacuate with your animals. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your animals."
The HSUS is in contact with state agencies in advance of the storms and is available to assist in possible evacuations and for post-storm assessments as well as search and rescue. The HSUS has equipment; transport trailers and personnel staged in Bushnell, Fla., and has more than 600 National Disaster Animal Response Team volunteers who can be called upon to assist if needed.
Florida Gov. Charlie Crist has declared a state of emergency and according to published news reports Georgia could begin voluntary evacuations Wednesday. The HSUS urges residents to check their local Web sites such as the Florida State Agricultural Response team, flsart.org, the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, gema.state.ga.us, North Carolina State Animal Response Team, ncsart.org and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, scemd.org for updated information. Availability at shelters can be limited and residents are strongly urged to be self sufficient in caring for their families, including their animals.
The failure to plan for your pets' safety can lead to tragedy. Luckily, many lessons were learned after Hurricane Katrina where residents were forced to abandon dogs, cats and other animals by the tens of thousands. Early planning and coordinated evacuation plans avoided a repeat of Katrina during Hurricane Gustav. You can take simple steps to ensure that your pets will not be left in a dangerous situation.
A pet disaster kit should include:
· A three-day supply of food and drinking water, as well as bowls, cat litter and a container to be used as a litter box.
· Current photos and descriptions of pets.
· Up-to-date identification, including an additional tag with the phone number of someone out of the area in the event the pet becomes lost.
· Medications, medical records and a first aid kit stored in a waterproof container.
· Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely as well as blankets or towels for bedding and warmth. Carriers should be large enough to comfortably house your pet for several hours or even days.
Evacuation planning for large animals should include:
· Evacuate animals as soon as possible. Be ready to leave once the evacuation is ordered. In a slowly evolving disaster, such as a hurricane, leave no later than 72 hours before anticipated landfall, especially if you will be hauling a high profile trailer such as a horse trailer. Remember: Even a fire truck fully loaded with water is considered "out of service" in winds exceeding 40 mph. If there are already high winds, it may not be possible to evacuate safely.
· Arrange for a place to shelter your animals. Plan ahead and work within your community to establish safe shelters for farm animals.
· Contact your local emergency management authority and become familiar with at least two possible evacuation routes well in advance.
· Set up safe transportation. Trucks, trailers, and other vehicles suitable for transporting large animals (appropriate for transporting each specific type of animal) should be available, along with experienced handlers and drivers.
· Take all your disaster supplies with you or make sure they will be available at your evacuation site. You should have or be able to readily obtain feed, water, veterinary supplies, handling equipment, tools and generators if necessary.
· If your animals are sheltered off your property, make sure they remain in the groupings they are used to. Also, be sure they are securely contained and sheltered from the elements if necessary, whether in cages, fenced-in areas, or buildings.
· Place horses' Coggins tests, veterinary papers, identification photographs, and vital information—such as medical history, allergies, and emergency telephone numbers (veterinarian, family members, etc.)—in a watertight envelope. Store the envelope with your other important papers in a safe place that can be quickly reached.
For more information about disaster preparedness, visit humanesociety.org/disaster.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.
