Hurricanes Helene and Milton are heartbreaking reminders that disaster preparedness saves lives. American Humane is urging pet owners to take a few simple steps today to ensure you and your animal companions are ready when a catastrophe strikes.
First, develop a pet-specific disaster plan, including a list of safe places that could house your pets in a crisis. Pet-friendly hotels, emergency shelters, and friends or relatives in another area are good places to start.
Second, make an evacuation kit with essential supplies, including enough water and nonperishable pet food for several days, an extra leash or harness, a comfortable pet carrier or crate, a week-long supply of any medications your pet requires (stored in a waterproof container), copies of your pet’s medical records and vaccinations, and recent photos of your pet.
Third, ensure your pet always wears a collar with up-to-date contact information, including a cell phone number, in case of a power outage. American Humane also recommends microchipping your pet. However, remember that microchips aren’t GPS trackers: The devices simply store emergency contact information, which owners are responsible for providing and keeping up-to-date.
Finally, recall the most important rule of all: If you’re forced to evacuate, don’t leave pets behind.
Robin Ganzert
American Humane
West Palm Beach, Florida
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