YOUR TOWN -- With the increased threat of flooding conditions and the possibility of an evacuation in the _______________________ area, residents may want to begin taking precautionary measures to protect their pets and livestock.
The American Humane Society suggests taking the following precautionary measures for residents who have pets.
Have a safe place to take your pet. Remember Red Cross shelters can not accept pets because of state health and safety regulations. Consider the following options: 1) contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area about accepting pets. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places and if you have notice of an impending disaster call ahead for reservations; 2) Ask friends, relatives or veterinarians outside the affected area if they could shelter your animals; 3) Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency - include 24-hour phone numbers.
Pet owners who intend to take their pets with them when they evacuate should also take the following supplies: 1) a collar with an ID tag and a leash or harness; 2) a portable carrier (especially for cats) to keep your pet from escaping; 3) photo of the pet; 4) drinking water in gallon-sized plastic containers, dry pet food, pet dishes, canned food and a can opener; 5) a litter box for cats; 6) pet's medication, current health and vaccination records; 6) pet's bed and toys if transportable; and 7) information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and phone number of your pet's veterinarian in case the pet must be fostered or boarded.
Often warnings are issued hours or even days in advance (flooding). At the first sign of a disaster, a pet owner should act to protect his pet. Several things the owner can do are: 1) call ahead to confirm emergency hotel arrangements for you and your pet; 2) make sure your pet's disaster supplies are ready to go at a moment's notice; 3) bring your pets into the house so you won't have to search for them when it is time to leave; 4) make sure your dogs or cats are wearing their collars, then attach up-to-date information such as phone number and address of your temporary shelter or a friend where your pet will be staying outside the disaster area; 5) you may not be home when an evacuation order is issued. Prearrange for a trusted neighbor to meet you with your pet at a pre-designated location.
Birds and Lizards: Birds and lizards should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car before placing birds or lizards inside. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the bird's feathers or the lizard's scales. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport. Provide a few slices of fresh fruits or vegetables with high water content. Have a photo of your pet for identification and leg bands on the bird. If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently. Try to keep the carrier in a quiet place. Do not let the bird or lizard out of the cage or carrier.
Reptiles - Snakes may be transported in a pillowcase, but they must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach the hotel, boarding or friend's home. If the snake requires frequent feeding - carry food with you. Take a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad.
Pocket Pets - Hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, etc. should be transported in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered. Take bedding materials, food bowls and water bottles with you.
Livestock - Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, mules, etc. -- all livestock should be
collared. Using an indelible pen, write your name, address, phone number on the collar.
Preferably use a fluorescent collar (firefighters can see them more easily in smoke). Farm
animals have the gift of knowing high/low ground and in most cases they will survive if
left to their own resources. City or County Commissioner urge residents to move their
livestock to the local fair grounds, (address).
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