Disaster prep: How soon we forget
By Gina Spadafori
June 1, 2007
Today is the start of the Atlantic hurricane season, and yet relatively few people have prepared for the worst for themselves — or their pets.
That’s right: Less than two years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, people have already forgotten — or put off — doing what they can to protect their families. And some local governments haven’t fared much better where pets are involved. From the St. Pete Times:
NEW PORT RICHEY – Another hurricane season starts today without a public storm shelter that accepts pets in Pasco County.
“The people who sit here in Shady Hills, something needs to be out there for them, unless you live in a big house,” said mobile home resident Judy Shadwick, 47, who said she rode out the 2004 storms at home with her five dogs because no public shelters would accept pets. “We’re poor.”
But the absence is more glaring this year, because the county has not complied with a 2006 federal law requiring pets’ safety be part of hurricane emergency plans, according to FloridaPets.net, which is compiling evacuation shelter data for every county in Florida.
By comparison, every surrounding county – Hernando, Hillsborough, Polk and Pinellas – has plans to operate pet-friendly shelters during storm evacuations.
Why? In areas without them, some pet owners refused to evacuate because they couldn’t take their pets to safety, according to post-disaster surveys.
The Times goes on to recommend:
Before a hurricane comes, experts recommend pet owners take the following steps:
- Determine which hotels, boarding facilities, friends or family outside the evacuation areas will accept you and your pet. Many animal service shelters cannot accept more pets because they’re at capacity already.
- Make sure animals have correct information on ID tags on their collars. If possible, clip the address and name of the shelter to which you go to the pet’s collar.
- Assemble a pet disaster kit with medications, records, photos of the pets, leashes, food and water, and the name of your veterinarian.
Remember: It’s not just about hurricanes. You need to have a disaster plan no matter where you live.
Katrina woke me up when I saw all the poor abandoned animals that were left behind. I live in Central Texas, but right after that hurricane, I went out and bought more carriers so each of my pets would have one in case we ever need to evacuate for some reason. These days you never know what might happen and it would tear me apart to leave my pets behind. I know the local shelter we had in my hometown during Katrina required animals to be in carriers and I think that was part of the problem with Katrina pets. People didn’t have adequate carriers for their pets.
Comment by Deanna — June 1, 2007 @ 6:30 am
I have never once evacuated in a hurricane because there were never any places that allowed me to bring my pets and I would NEVER leave them to fend for themselves.
In 2004 and 2005 we got walloped over and over. We kept all people and animals in the farthest room from the pounding winds and rains - leaving no room for anything except a chair for each person and the animals. At one point we had been like that for nearly 36 hours straight because the storm just wasn’t moving away from us.
I know I am not alone in refusing to leave because my pets were not welcomed in any shelters and that creates a much larger problem, increases the danger, and elevates the stress level straight through the roof.
I have dreaded the start of the season for months…
Comment by Floridian — June 1, 2007 @ 7:00 am
People became aware of the pet safety, shelter, and storm evacuation issue because of Katrina. But most folks think only of hurricanes, which for all their fury at least come with a few hours or even days warning. In the midwest our storms are violent tornadoes which can crop up out of a regular weather system in a matter of minutes and usually leave no time for evcuation away from the area. So we have to be prepared to “hunker down”. I have a separate cat carrier for each of my pets and an extra leash for my big dog situated very close to our home’s crawl space area where we would go for best protection during a tornado. When there is an actual National Weather Service tornado warning (meaning one has been sighted within 20 miles) the cats are put in their carriers and we gather near the crawl space opening with our transisor radio so we can dash down if necessary. We have taken this precaution 3 times in the last five years and so far have been fortunate not to have been hit with a tornado. But the comfort of knowing we are as prepared as we can be is priceless.
Comment by elizabeth R. — June 1, 2007 @ 8:00 am
I’ve had five of my six cats microchipped, and plan to microchip the sixth next time he’s at the vet. The vet and her tech seemed to think I was nuts. I said “In case of natural disaster,” and the tech said, “In Georgia?” They seemed to think I was lying about letting them go outside (I don’t).
They don’t have collars. I’m torn on that—I feel guilty, because of the possible emergency thing, but also think that they would Houdini themselves out of them. Because they’re those kinds of cats. ;)
I also have carriers for all of them. My big worry right now is food—I’m making their food. I guess I could load up an ice chest full of frozen kitty food…
Comment by Katherine — June 1, 2007 @ 8:37 am
Oh, and I also have a weather radio.
Comment by Katherine — June 1, 2007 @ 8:37 am
Ah Geez… I forgot, or didn’t think, rather; that I’m home cooking now.
Thanks Katherine, I’ll make extra to put up in the freezer. Thanks again!
Now we’ll just have to hope that the tornado doesn’t blow the freezer away. I hate tornadoes!!
Comment by Peggy (AKA: Big Fat Momma Cat) — June 1, 2007 @ 8:48 am
Comment by Deanna — June 1, 2007 @ 6:30 am
I know carriers to contain help with a transfer, but I remember seeing videos of a dog trapped in flood waters in a cage.
That was pure hell for those folks. And, a country disgrace. Who went to jail for that debacle? Anyone hear? That’s what I thought… YOU ARE ON YOUR OWN!
Comment by Kat — June 1, 2007 @ 9:05 am
What? That sentence makes no sense… I’m asleep-at-the-keyboard.
What I was TRYING to say is — carriers help with a transfer — but…
Comment by Kat — June 1, 2007 @ 9:07 am
Kat,
I posted on the Media Conference, liveblogging, an article that should be on your website, and to tell the truth, I am Dumber that a box of Rocks and don’t know how to post to a website!
So, would you grab it and pin it on there (or whatever you do?! : )
Thanks!
Comment by Elaine — June 1, 2007 @ 9:21 am
I’m not doing too well typing this am either!
That should be Dumber Than A Box of Rocks!
Time for another cuppa coffee.
Comment by Elaine — June 1, 2007 @ 9:23 am
Didn’t Florida require all pets to be microchipped after Andrew?
I live in MD and mine is and if I’m home and a tornado watch is issued and there are storms around, the harness goes on! (I also don’t go to bed if there is a tornado watch because I will never hear it once I’m asleep). Had a close call several years ago and it scared the you-know-what out of me!
Comment by BengalMom — June 1, 2007 @ 9:36 am
In LA recently, and the people were evacuating from a fire - driving their car and had their pets on a leash out the window, those that wouldn’t fit in the car - larger animals - and they were driving slowly with their horses etc. walking beside the vehicles.
Comment by Linda — June 1, 2007 @ 9:56 am
Oh crap, I forgot about the food thing too. I’m also cooking at home now. I have a little in the freezer but not enough.
When I lived in California I was queen of earthquake preparedness, but I’ve gotten less prepared now that I’m in New Mexico, and I let the emergency supplies get used up, moved around, out of date, etc.
Nuts. Another thing to go on my to-be-done-yesterday list. Kitties are microchipped though, and I do have carriers.
Oh - don’t forget the bottled water!
Comment by Kim — June 1, 2007 @ 10:17 am
Re: Bottled Water:
I carry two boxes of Bottled Water at all times in my vehicle. And in the garage I have several boxes too.
When I travel - what do I use the most of besides gas? Bottled Water.
Comment by Linda — June 1, 2007 @ 10:20 am
Copying something for the blog involves the COPY and PASTE found on Edit in the standard button menu. First select and then copy the article and then you can paste it to the blog. Tried it myself yesterday. Maybe some other blogger can help you more. Hope this helps you to post article, Elaine.
Comment by Evelyn — June 1, 2007 @ 10:55 am
For anyone living in Florida, our hurricane supplies can be purchased tax free, beginning today (through June 12th). When you buy bottled water, do get enough for pets as well. Ditto for food. Have a first aid kit prepared for humans and animals (including medications).
If you live in an evacuation zone, leave when advised and HAVE A PLAN which includes ALL members of your family. Take any pertinent records—insurance, medical, etc. (including verification of yearly vaccinations and any applicable pet licenses for your babies).
Camping out in, say, one of the pet friendly hotels in Orlando—with lots of other freaked out animals—could result in the odd free-for-all. (A family member had this happen.) Proof of vaccinations (regardless of which dog was the aggressor) will help reassure everyone. Relatedly, animals MUST be secured or on leash whenever they are in public areas.
I suppose I should exhort people to maintain some semblance of calm. You know what I mean…if you must leave, make the car ride an ADVENTURE. Easy enough to say…I normally assume a fetal position in front of the TV (permanently tuned to the Weather Channel) during hurricane season. I get up only to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, tend to the dogs or check in with WeatherBug on the computer.
Anyway, good luck to other along the gulf coast. Let’s hope it is spared this year.
Comment by Eva — June 1, 2007 @ 11:33 am
Comment by Elaine — June 1, 2007 @ 9:21 am
Ok, thanks Elaine. I’ll see if I can find it. I’ve been on 4 threads today — all over the place & missed your comment earlier.
Comment by Kat — June 1, 2007 @ 11:37 am
Found your article & have posted! I needed to make a Child Board for COOL anyway & yours is at the top.
Thanks for thinking of my site & getting the word out!
Comment by Kat — June 1, 2007 @ 12:03 pm
ooops! …the link… http://www.truthinfoodlabeling.....board=91.0
Comment by Kat — June 1, 2007 @ 12:04 pm
Don’t forget pet food/water bowls in the emergency supplies box. I’ve had to use the car cup holder, and it really is too small.
Comment by Carol PW — June 1, 2007 @ 12:06 pm
Also, if your animals are the nervous types, you will help them through the storm easier if you purchase rescue remedy or other type of safe herbal calming remedy or a mild tranq from your vet. Animals get just as scared as us humans in a cane
Comment by Floridian — June 1, 2007 @ 2:07 pm
Carol PW - I learned my lesson - was surrounded by fire along freeway - all traffic stopped for hours - had water - no bowl - now have big bowl in car too.
Comment by Linda — June 1, 2007 @ 2:10 pm
Comment by Kat — June 1, 2007 @ 9:05 am
Kat -
Our biggest threat here are tornados, not floods. A carrier would be a safe place for a while if the house was rumble and we all survived.
Not only is it hurrican season for the coast, we are in tornado season here. There are all types of disasters to prepare for.
Comment by Deanna — June 1, 2007 @ 2:27 pm
Kat,
what is your board for? Do You just join it? Please explain. Thanks
Comment by Trudy Jackson — June 1, 2007 @ 2:31 pm
Can’t thank Gina enough for posting this. I live in NC, where we get hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes on a regular basis (not mention the occasional ice storm or wildfire). We have co-located shelters in a lot of places here - mobile animal shelters that they bring to where the human shelter is, so you can board your pet in safety. Some even have separate dog and cat areas, though not always. Other pets are still difficult. But it’s a whole lot better than nothing.
But it’s SOOO important to have a copy of the most recent shots, other records, medications, etc. The folks at the shelters have to revaccinate if you can’t show proof that your furry kids are current. And microchipping makes tracking the kids a lot easier, too, if something should happen.
Some other things I’ve learned -
If you have a cell number or an out of state contact, *add them* to your microchip and vet records. If you evacuate and get separated from your pets, rescuers can still reach either you or someone elsewhere that you’ll know to check in with.
Buy the *big* jugs of water, if you can carry them. You and your pets will need more than you think, especially if it’s hot and you have no A/C. You may need H2O to cool everyone down.
And you can’t boil more without power or gas, unless you have a gas grill with a side burner.
(You can always use bleach to make water safe in a pinch, but a lot of cats won’t drink it - the amount it takes to disinfect water smells strong.)
When you pack your clothes, etc, for your emergency kit, throw in a few old towels or rags for wet pets or spare bedding if needed.
Also - those semi-disposable plastic bowls (Glad, etc.) are great - they nest compactly, are tough enough to wash and disinfect, but don’t weigh much at all. Plus, you can seal them up if the kids don’t finish a meal. Not as good as a fridge, but it keeps out the bugs.
Comment by Laura — June 1, 2007 @ 8:27 pm