Life without Satchmo: Tornadoes

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Disaster Preparedness for Pets: How to Keep Your Pets Safe

It is springtime here in Oklahoma and that always means bad weather and possible tornadoes. When you live here, you have to think about what to do and how to do it if there is a weather emergency.

It appalls me that so many people don't take care of their pets during any emergency. I do understand that you need to take care of yourself first before you can take care of any other being, but your pets depend on you to keep them safe, so you need to include them in your plans during any disaster.

During Katrina, my heart broke watching all those pets left behind to die or to suffer hunger and anxiety because they no longer know how to care for themselves. When we domesticated dogs, we made a pact with them that by bonding with us, we would be their pack leader and protect them.

You did not see much of that during Katrina. You often don't see much of that during any current emergency now either. We have taken away our pets ability to fend for themselves but in an emergency, we think they can take care of themselves. How does that work?

Anyway, today's post is all about disaster preparedness for your pets. As a pet owner, it's important to ensure that your family pet is protected during natural disasters and emergencies. Whether it's a tornado, hurricane, earthquake, or fire, you need to have a plan in place to keep your pet safe. Here's a guide to disaster preparedness for pets.

Creating a Disaster Preparedness Plan for Pets

The first step in disaster preparedness for pets is to create a plan. This should include a list of items to pack in an emergency kit, as well as a plan for evacuating your home with your pet.

Plan ahead: Take the time to research potential disasters in your area and the evacuation routes available to you and your pet. Create a list of potential shelters or hotels that are pet-friendly.
Prepare an emergency kit: Gather essential items for your pet such as food, water, medication, and identification. Additionally, include a leash, a carrier or crate, and a favorite toy or blanket.
Microchip your pet: Ensure your pet has proper identification, and consider microchipping your pet. This can help reunite you with your pet if you become separated.
Create an evacuation plan: Have a plan in place for evacuating your home with your pet. Decide on a meeting point outside the home in case you become separated, and practice the evacuation with your pet beforehand.
Stay informed: Stay informed about emergency alerts in your area and any updates from authorities. Have a battery-powered radio or mobile device to stay connected.

Taking Care of Your Pet During a Disaster

During a disaster, it's important to ensure that your pet stays safe and calm. Here are some tips to help you take care of your pet during an emergency:

Keep your pet with you: If you need to evacuate, take your pet with you. Never leave your pet behind.
Comfort your pet: Pets may become stressed or anxious during a disaster. Provide comfort by speaking softly and offering a familiar toy or blanket.
Monitor your pet's behavior: Keep an eye on your pet's behavior, as they may be frightened or disoriented. Be patient and provide reassurance.
Watch for hazards: After a disaster, watch out for hazards such as broken glass or sharp debris. Keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier to prevent them from getting injured.
Contact a veterinarian: If your pet is injured, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Creating a Pet-Friendly Emergency Kit

In addition to the items mentioned earlier, there are several other items you may want to include in your pet's emergency kit:

Disposable litter trays and litter
Disposable food and water bowls
Towels or blankets
First aid kit for pets
Waste bags
Paper towels
Extra collar and leash
Medications and medical records
Updated photos of your pet
Contact information for your veterinarian

Get a free Pet Preparedness Tip Sheet here.

By being prepared, you and your family pets will be safe and secure during any emergency and you all will be able to return home together once it is safe to do so.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Satchmo is sick again

My baby is currently at the vet getting an ultasound done. He had a seizure the other night and scared me to death. While I will post more when I know more, I thought I'd like to post something here to remind us all about the pets who need help in the flooded, tornadoe ridden, fire burning disasters across our nation. This article is from the ASPCA and I hope you will read it and consider becoming a donor to enable them to continue doing such good deeds. I gave up some extras to be able to donate monthly and I hope you will too.

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Image by U.S. Geological Survey via Flickr
ASPCA Responders Rescue Animals in Flood, Tornado Areas

flood

When tornadoes and floods hit states across the Midwest and South, the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response Team kicked into gear, dispatching teams to those areas to help rescue and shelter animals.

In Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky, ASPCA responders have been working to provide shelter for pets whose families were evacuated from their homes, as well as perform water rescue operations to save stranded or abandoned animals.

"We see entire communities flooded—animals are stranded on dog houses, in trees and other small patches of dry space," says Tim Rickey, ASPCA Senior Director of Field Investigations and Response. "For many of these victims, rescue is their only hope."

In addition, we were able to send crucial supplies to other flood- and tornado-ravaged locations. Through our partnership with PetSmart Charities, the ASPCA is coordinating efforts to provide supplies like food, crates and blankets to animal groups in Alabama and other hard-hit areas.

We’re also assisting affected communities through grants; last week we helped the Greater Birmingham Humane Society obtain a transport vehicle that will allow the group to rescue animals throughout the state.

And through our exciting new Animal Relocation Initiative, we’re transporting homeless animals from overcrowded shelters in the disaster areas to regions of the country that can accommodate these resilient pets. In turn, overburdened shelters will be able to house even more local animals.

Earlier this month, 46 dogs traveled from eastern Arkansas shelters to facilities in Kansas and Colorado. Then, 70 dogs from parts of Georgia and South Carolina devastated by tornadoes were transported to New York and New Jersey. Several transport companies stepped forward to help move the animals to their new shelters, where they’ll soon be available for adoption.

Says ASPCA Senior Director of Community Outreach Sandy Monterose: “A natural disaster like flooding creates immediate hardship in a community. By collaborating with other groups and using our resources strategically, we can respond to shelters and animals in need, creating a safety net. It’s part of the fabric of animal sheltering.”