Pet and Animal Emergency Disaster Planning

5/25/2016 (Permalink)

This is Helga which is owned by Al Prieur our Director of Business Development. Yes Helga has a disaster plan!

Pet and Animal Emergency Disaster Planning

We love our pets in the United States to the tune of over 70 million dogs and 80 million cats alone.  In addition people own all sorts of other pets such as birds, fish, horses and reptiles the numbers are enormous.  However when a disaster hits it can be staggering losses for animals.

When Hurricane Katrina Hit it is estimated that tens of thousands of animals died because lack of disaster planning for animals. No one likes to see pets on the nightly news reports who perished from a disaster when it can be prevented.  As a nation we spend billions of dollars on our pets to take care of them but the one thing we don’t do is spend the time to create a disaster plan for our pets.  

Most home owners are preparing their homes and families to face disasters against tornadoes, floods, and other catastrophic events that we never ask ourselves what will happen to our pets during these situations. Our pets are going through the same disaster as we are and will need help getting through it.

Here are the things you need to do for your pets before a disaster.

Have your dog or cat micro chipped or wearing an identification tag

Have a copy of your pet’s medical records and medications available

Know where your pet is going in case you are unable to take it with you to a shelter. You can arrange with relatives, animal shelters and if taking it to a hotel with you call hotels first to see who takes in pets. To find pet friendly lodging click on Dogfriendly.com

Have a safe room in your home that you can put emergency supplies in advance for your pets.

According to Ready.gov if you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger!  Confine your pet to a safe area inside – Never leave your pet chained outside! Leave them loose inside your home with food and plenty of water. Remove the toilet tank lid, raise the seat and brace the bathroom door open so they can drink. Place a notice outside in visible area advising what pets are in the house and where they are located. Provide a phone number where you or a contact can be reached as well as the name and phone number of your vet.

Have newspapers on hand for sanitary purposes if they can’t go outside

If your water is shut off feed animals moist or canned food they will drink less water

If electricity goes out in the summer in sweltering heat your pet could over heat. Find out where there are cooling shelters ahead of time. If its winter don’t let fur coats fool you cats and dogs can freeze with no heat. Birds and reptiles are very acceptable to cold and heat as well.

If surveying damage at a site make sure your pet is leashed or secured. They could cut or hurt themselves on debris that is laying around.

Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routine as soon as possible. Be ready for behavioral problems caused by the stress of the situation.

SERVPRO of North Richland Hills specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO! Call us at 817-589-1499