The best thing you can do to care for your pets is to plan ahead in order to be prepared to look after them during a disaster.
Caring for pets during hurricanes and floods is crucial for their safety and well-being. Bring your pets inside as soon as local authorities issue a storm warning, and have your pet emergency preparedness kit ready (in English).
If a hurricane is likely to hit your area, Miami-Dade County and the National Weather Service (in English) share the following tips to help you and your pets stay safe:
Evacuation Plan:
- Stay tuned to the radio or television for weather updates and instructions from local public safety authorities.
- Do not go outside and take shelter on the lowest level, preferably in a small interior room, closet, or hallway with few or no windows. Put as many walls between you and the outside as possible.
- Avoid windows, skylights, and glass doors.
- Take your emergency kits and disaster supplies with you if you move to another room or evacuate to a shelter.
- If flooding threatens your home, turn off the main electrical switch.
- Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, as a light source.
- If the power goes out, turn off all major appliances.
- Avoid using the phone and do not bathe or shower during the storm.
- Resist the urge to go outside during the “eye of the storm.” There will be a brief period of calm, but on the other side of the eye, wind from the opposite direction will quickly regain hurricane-force speeds.
- Keep children informed about what is happening and watch them for signs of stress.
- Keep animals in their crates or pet carriers.
- Get into the bathtub or shower and place a mattress over you to protect yourself from debris if your home begins to collapse.
- Be prepared to evacuate if you live in an area at risk of storm surges (rapid and dangerous flooding caused by hurricane winds). Allow yourself enough time to pack and inform friends and family that you are leaving your home. Listen to local public safety authorities for road and bridge closures.
How to Evacuate with Your Pets During a Hurricane
The number one rule for pet owners is: take your pets with you when evacuating. Animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in general population shelters and Red Cross shelters, as long as they meet the requirements set by federal legislation; see the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Requirements for Service Animals (in English). However, only select emergency shelters accept regular pets (animals that are not service animals for people with disabilities), so finding one can be difficult.
Contact your local emergency management agency for information on which emergency shelters accept pets. Try to call the shelter before leaving, as some that admit pets may require advance notice. Your local humane society or veterinary hospital may also have information on where you can take your pets during an evacuation.
Instead of a shelter, you can also go to a pet-friendly hotel or motel. Keep a list of pet-friendly accommodations on hand in case you need to evacuate quickly.
Resources for You
- Keep Your Pets Safe Before Disaster Strikes
- Food and Water Safety During Power Outages and Floods
- Hurricanes (Ready.gov)
- Floods (Ready.gov)
By being prepared and taking preventive measures, you can help keep your pet safe during a hurricane or flood. Remember that your pet’s safety depends on you.
Image: fda.gov
