Living in Tampa Bay, Florida, we are used to the hurricane season each year. Hurricanes can bring significant wind damage, flooding and possible fires, which can be terrifying, especially if you are not prepared for them. Most people would prefer to stay in their homes during a storm. But, if a hurricane is predicted in your area, evacuations are required. Are you prepared, and do you know what to do if a hurricane or disaster occurs? Do you have an emergency plan or kit in place to keep your entire family, including your furry loved ones safe and sound?
Here are some suggestions on how to keep your pet safe during a hurricane or emergency:
Evacuate safely and early if necessary
If your county is on alert for a hurricane or tropical storm, don’t be the last person to leave town. You’ll need to do a little planning when it comes to evacuating with animals. Not all hotels, restaurants, or hospitals accept them. Evacuating safely and early helps keep the situation calm for people and pets.
Obviously, take your pet with you if you can
Pets are resilient, but it may not be safe to leave them on their own or behind in the house for very long. They can get lost, become malnourished, or get hurt from the disaster. Having a pre-planned course of action can help reduce the risk of your pet being left alone to fend for herself.
Make prior arrangements
Because most Americans work, pets are often home alone. But if disaster strikes and you’re not home, make sure someone knows that you have a pet and that they need to get to safety. Give a neighbor or friend a spare key.
Prepare an emergency kit in advance
Pack an emergency kit for your pet as you would for yourself. Include the essentials like a leash, collar, first aid, food, water, medications, medical records, and essential documents. Bring your furry loved one’s bed, blanket, and toys to help keep your pet calm during travel.
Make sure your pet has an ID
Whether your pet is microchipped or has an ID and updated tags on their collar, they must always have proper identification if you get separated. In addition to their name on the collar, add your name, telephone number, and microchip number to it so someone can quickly contact you if they are found. Bring a current photo in case your pet gets lost.
Beware of disease
If a hurricane forces you away from home, it’s important to be aware of your new surroundings and the diseases that may live there. Keep an eye on your pet – especially in new territory – and keep your pet away from rabid wildlife, mosquitoes, or stagnant water.
Involve the whole family
When things aren’t planned adequately with and communicated to everyone, chaos ensues. Make sure that everyone in the family knows what to do with your pet if there is an emergency. By implementing a buddy system, every person and animal in your home will be safe and accounted for at all times. From grandma to grandchild, keep everyone in your home in the loop on the emergency plan, emergency kit, what to do, who to call, and where to keep your pet safe.
Although hurricanes are dangerous, they can be manageable if you have a proper plan and open line of communication in place. By making prior arrangements and preparing an emergency kit, you will be able to maintain control and ensure safety.
Contact our Synergy Property Restoration’s emergency response team at 855-630-4585, and we will find the right emergency response solution for you and your property.