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Hurricanes :: Are you and your pets ready?
 

As the 2006 hurricane season approaches we have begun to think of getting our homes ready for emergencies. Any of us in the Gulf South Region are keenly aware of emergency preparedness, canned food and water, flashlights, batteries and generators, but what about readiness in terms of our pets? If a disaster were eminent, would we have what is needed for them on hand?

Part of our responsibility as pet owners lies in knowing that we are able to meet our pets’ needs as well as our own. The big picture must include our current laws on the subject. On the federal level the pending legislation mandates the following:1) Grants FEMA authority to assist in developing evacuation plans2) Authorizes financial help to states to create emergency shelters for people with their animals3) Requires the provision of essential assistance for individuals with household pets and service animals, and the animals themselves, following a major disaster.

The states are then responsible for making provisions that will be sufficient to protect animals, and acknowledge the pet-human bond that exists. To date, fewer than 20 states have legislation pending that pertain to this. We are fortunate here in Louisiana to have an innovative State Senator, Huelette “Clo” Fontenot, who has introduced a Pet Evacuation Bill. This bill provides that animals will be evacuated with their people if there is no danger to human life. State and local governments will be required to provide for “side-by side” sheltering for pets next to their humans, if possible.
 

 
State and local responsibilities concerning shelters and evacuation plans for pets and service animals are addressed. Never again should residents be forced to choose between survival and their pets. If you are faced with an emergency situation and you evacuate, take your pets with you. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for them. It makes more sense to take them with you the first time than to have the nightmare of trying to get back to them, or even worse, knowing that you will not be able to reach them in time to keep them alive.

Also, it is a wise idea to leave early- don’t wait for an evacuation order. This avoids several issues, including the decison that your pets are coming too! Hopefully, by the time this hurricane season is in full swing, we will have laws in place that will take care of our pets’ transportation and sheltering issues. However, just in case, check ahead to make sure which hotels and emergency shelters take pets. It is also a good idea to verify that a friend or relative can offer shelter to you and your pets, or even just the animals, if necessary. If you do not evacuate make sure you know the safest place in your home for the whole family, pets included, to ride out the storm.

Keep you dogs on leashes and make sure they are wearing identification. You will need to keep them confined so that you can leave with them quickly. Call ahead to make sure where you should go if the need arises, and of course, ask if they take pets. Remember, our pets trust us and are depending on us to take care of them in this frightening situation. This is the time to repay our four-legged friends for their devotion, and early preparation will go a long way toward calming everyone during this stressful time.

 

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