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Emergency Evacuation and Your Pet’ s Safety

Living in Florida this year has been no trip to Disneyworld. With all the floods, tornadoes and fires, we have had our fill of natural disasters already and hurricane season has just started. Through all this, one thing became very clear. Pets do not fair well in emergency evacuation situations. These are just a few hints on how to prepare for an evacuation, to insure your pet a better chance of survival.

1. Always have a plan that is known by all members of the family. ** Include your pet as a family member.** Know your escape routes and available animal shelters. (Some human shelters do not accept pets) Make sure you have enough room in your vehicle for your family and pets. NEVER, NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET BEHIND!!

2. Have an emergency survival kit for your pet. This kit should always be ready. You may have very little time.

   PET SURVIVAL KIT

   • A cage or travel crate to contain your pet. This will ensure your pet a safe place where he can not escape in strange surroundings. Make it large enough for your pet to stay for several days.

   • Food, water and dishes. Have enough food and water for at least 3-4 days.

   • Medications. Have a good supply of any regularly used medication on hand. Have written instructions on dosages. Do not wait to get Meds from your Veterinarian. He may have to evacuate too!

   • Collars and leashes with identification tags. Each pet needs one. If you have a bird, reptile or exotic animal, place identification tag on the cage.

   • Care instructions. Your pet may have to be in a shelter for a while, so make sure you have written instructions for the care takers.

3. Plan for return. In the event your home is not there when you return. Have a place planned for your pet to stay. Do not leave your pet at a shelter any longer than necessary. These are emergency "ports in the storm", not boarding facilities.

4. Remember, when things have returned to normal. Donate anything you can, to shelters and rescue organizations and the fine people who man them!

I truly hope you never have to experience the sheer terror and panic that one of Mother Nature’s Wonders can produce. But if you do, PLEASE make sure the helpless ones of the family, i.e. children and pets, are thought of first. Material things can always be replaced.

Have questions about anything on this page? Feel free to contact other team members.

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