Floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and fires can often strike with little warning. Experts warn us to be prepared, to have disaster plans, and be ready to implement it at a moment's notice. Despite continuous efforts by federal, state, and local emergency management agencies, and volunteer organizations such as the American Red Cross, and the Humane Society of the United States, which offer guidelines and disaster preparedness information, few families are prepared to take care of themselves, let alone their family pets. In emergencies, the safety of people take preference over that of pets.

An additional consideration is that shelters where food is served do not permit animals, except for guide dogs. Pet owners who take their pets with them in disaster situations cannot avail themselves of the services (e.g. food, bedding, medical services) offered by the shelter. Check with your local emergency management organization to see of they have specific plans in place for assisting with the sheltering of pets. Despite these restriction, pet owners should not leave their pets behind or ignore evacuation orders. Disaster plans must include all members of the family, including pets.

PRECAUTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TO PROTECT YOUR PETS

Planning ahead is the key to preparedness. A few hints can help to protect your family pets in an emergency. While you are away from home, confining your pet to a specific room in the house can aid rescuers in the event of a structure fire or other disaster. Place emergency stickers with the number and location of your pets in prominent places near doors and windows. Close interior doors to keep fire from spreading. If you change the location of the pets, remember to change the information on the emergency stickers.

Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Plan well in advance of the hurricane season which begins in June and ends in October. First, decide whether you plan to stay home or evacuate. Second, consider the proximity of your home to flood-prone areas, and determine the maximum wind speeds your house can withstand. Flooding information may be obtained from your local emergency management, or water resources agency.

If you don't live in a flood area or mobile home, stay put and make sure you have adequate provisions for all family members including your pets. In the event you are trapped without services for an extended period, the following is recommended:

• Buy a few extra non-perishable grocery items each week.
• Fill empty water jugs or store bottles of distilled water.
• Keep an extra stock of pet food, medications and ice.
• Keep a tarpaulin on hand for shade.
• Fill propane bottles and keep vehicle gas tanks topped off.
• Keep fresh batteries with flashlights and portable radios.
• Install storm shutters and secure items that could become flying debris in high winds.
• Keep your pets inside when storms are expected. When a hurricane warning is issued, crate them and stay with them. Never leave your pets unattended.
• Know your evacuation routes in advance and remember that days or weeks may pass before you are allowed to return home. If you kennel a dog or cat, check that the facility meets all requirements for long-term care, and has an adequate disaster plan itself.

Afterwards

Take care after the immediate danger has ended. When you venture out, avoid downed power lines. Keep your pet on a leash to limit its exposure to debris, hazardous materials, other animals, and contaminated foods. To protect your animals, avoid leaving spoiled goods outside and tape your refrigerator shut until trash pickup resumes.

A PET-FRIENDLY DISASTER KIT

You can put together a basic disaster kit for your pets to have ready in the event that you have to button up, or leave your residence in a hurry. Recommended items would include:

• An airline-approved carrier for each dog or cat, or other pets, with ID, photo, vaccination records, registrations, special needs list, sufficient medicines, and a muzzle/leash attached.
• An extra supply of pet food (for dogs a lower protein dog formula will produce less stool, a benefit when cooped up indoors).
• First Aid kit
• Plenty of clean water
• Bowls (disposable containers if you must leave your residence), can opener, kitchen trash bags, bleach (disinfectant and water purification), blankets, towels, paper towels, and other waste disposal supplies.

RESOURCES FOR DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

For information about disaster preparedness for dog owners and community animal disaster response plans, contact:

• Humane Society of the United States 2100 L Street, NW Washington, DC 20037 (202) 452-1100

HSUS and the American Red Cross also offer a brochure, Pets and Disasters: Get Prepared, available by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

• American Humane Association 63 Inverness Drive Englewood, CO 80112 (303) 792-9900

A brochure, Before Disaster Strikes, is available from the AHA by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

• United Animal Nations 5892A South Land Park Drive Sacramento, CA 95818 (916) 429-2457

The local chapter of the American Red Cross can be reached by checking your local Yellow Pages.

* Adapted from an article by Nancy J. Rigg in Dog Fancy Magazine July 1997 , with permission from the author and the publisher.