Monday, October 29, 2012

Keeping Pets Safe During Hurricane Sandy

Via PR Newswire - Following storm tracking on their mobile command center within the 82-foot Rescue Rig that will serve as a base and housing for its specially trained staff and volunteers, American Humane Association is driving its famed Red Star Animal Emergency Services team into position to be ready with the support of MARS Petcare US to help animals that may need rescue or shelter from Hurricane Sandy. 

American Humane Association's legendary Red Star Rescue teams will arrive at its staging area in eastern Pennsylvania, in preparation for emergency rescue work throughout the region.

The 82-foot truck and its convoy of chase vehicles carry rescue boats, a hoist, food and medical supplies, snap-together kennels for extending or creating animal shelters, food bowls and other items to keep animals safe and cared for. MARS Petcare US has provided a grant to help the emergency deployment and is providing emergency food and supplies.

Life-Saving Tips to Keep Pets Safe from a Hurricane

Before the storm
  • Tie down or anchor outside objects that might fly about and injure someone.
  • Bring pets inside; bring outdoor animals inside with a carrier ready large enough to turn around and lie down comfortably.
  • Review your evacuation plan and double-check emergency supplies, bowls, water, food.
  • Have a carrier at the ready.
  • If your family must evacuate, take your pets with you. 
During the storm....if you cannot evacuate 
  • Choose a safe room for riding out the storm and take your entire family there, including your pets.
  • Stay with pets. If crated, they depend on you for food and water.
  • Keep your emergency kit in that room with you.
  • Know your pet's hiding places. That's where they may run; keep them with you.
  • Secure exits and cat doors so pets can't escape into the storm.
  • Do not tranquilize your pets. They'll need their survival instincts should the storm require that. 
After the storm
  • Make sure the storm has fully passed before going outside and assess damages before allowing animals out.
  • Keep dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier. Displaced objects and fallen trees can disorient pets and sharp debris could harm them.
  • Give pets time to become re-oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause a pet to become confused or lost.
  • Keep animals away from downed power lines and water that may be contaminated.
  • Uncertainty and change in the environment affect animals. Your pet's behavior may change after a crisis, becoming more aggressive or self-protective. Be sensitive to these changes and keep more room between them, other animals, children or strangers. Comfort your pet with kind words and lots of pats or hugs. If possible, provide a safe and quiet environment, even if it is not their home.

For more news about American Humane Association's Red Star emergency work during these disasters and to support their work, please go to www.americanhumane.org.

Image via http://www.kstp.com/index.html

3 comments:

  1. My human was wondering if they can be forced to evacuate without us. She would never do that!
    Thanks for the info!
    Purrs

    ReplyDelete
  2. Did you see that all shelters in NYC were accepting pets? They learned from Katrina, we heard. Good info - thanks for sharing! And kudos to those unsung volunteers who have headed up there to help out.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That's what we saw after commenting here :-) That's nice!
    My human was very afraid of that.
    Thanks =^.^=

    ReplyDelete