DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FOR YOUR PETS

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Utilizing the first-hand experiences the Connecticut Humane Society acquired over 127 years, and most recently during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, we continue to prepare for future disasters.  The Connecticut Humane Society helped sponsor the Federal PETS Act of 2006 and Local House Bill 5186 (signed into law by Governor Rell in May, 2007).  Both require that service animals and pets must be included in any official disaster rescue planning. 

But for these laws to be completely effective, planning MUST start at home with each and every one of our families.  Disaster can strike any locality at any time.  It is imperative that we make preparations to evacuate in any situation.  Don’t forget that house fires, carbon monoxide fumes, and other homeowner specific emergencies are important to consider as well.  If you are temporarily (or permanently) displaced from your home for any reason, proper planning will insure the safety of your family and pets.  Follow these 4 steps to assist in an evacuation plan for your family and for your pets.

1. PLAN AHEAD

Contact your local Emergency Management Office or American Red Cross Chapter for information about:


~ Which disasters typically occur or could occur in your area.


~ How to prepare for each disaster.


~ How the public is warned of an emergency.


~ Local evacuation routes.


~ Special assistance programs for elderly or disabled persons.


~ Make sure all of your animals are current on their vaccinations.  Emergency shelters will not allow any unvaccinated pets.


~ If you have children, make sure to be knowledgeable about the school/day care emergency plans that are currently in effect.


~ If you are a member of the workforce, make sure you fully aware of your employer’s emergency/evacuation plans should you happen to be on site and/or on shift when a disaster occurs.



Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of states’ health and safety regulations and other considerations.  Pet owners and caretakers should take the following preparatory steps:



~ Make a list of pet-friendly accommodations in and immediately outside your area.



~ Call ahead for a reservation if you think you might have to leave your home.



~ Check with friends and family outside your immediate area to see who might be willing to provide temporary shelter for your pets.



~ Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who might be able to provide shelter in an emergency.



~ Obtain “Animals Inside” stickers for your home to alert police and firefighters that you have pets.  Include a phone number where you can be reached in an emergency.



~ Choose a designated caregiver who will provide for your pet’s needs if you cannot be reached in the event of an emergency.  This person should be a trusted neighbor, friend or family member who knows your pets and is comfortable with the responsibility.



~ If you use a pet-sitting service, find out if they can help and if so, how much help could they provide.



~ Not all shelters will accept animals due to allergies.  If you are evacuating with your pet, try to find a shelter that is described as "co-located."  This means that pets will have a kennel area separate from people, but close enough for owners to care for them. 



~ According to federal law service animals MUST be sheltered with their owners.  Nothing short of an emergency federal directive can separate a service animal from their owner.  You may be required to stay apart from other evacuees, but you cannot be deprived of any supplies or service due to your accompanying animal.

2. ASSEMBLE DISASTER SUPPLY KITS


Make sure you prepare emergency supply kits for each human and each pet in your family.  Make sure every human member of your immediate household knows where these kits are stored.


FOR HUMANS: 


~ Bottled water, one gallon per person/per day.


~ Non-perishable, high energy packaged food and a non-electric can-opener.


~ Change of clothing, rain gear, sturdy shoes.


~ Blankets and/or sleeping bags.


~ First aid kit and prescription medications.


~ Extra contacts or glasses.


~ Battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.


~ Credit cards and cash.


~ Extra set of car and house keys.


~ A list of family physicians.


~ A list of important family medical information such as diabetes, allergies.


~ Specialized items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.


~ An emergency car kit to include battery powered radio, flashlight, batteries, blankets, booster cables, 5 lb. A-B-C type fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable/high energy food items.

FOR PETS:


~ Current medication

~ Cat litter and pan if you have cats

For more information on how to prepare and what you should prepare for any type of disaster that may hit, visit the FEMA website at www.fema.gov/areyouready/

For additional details on disaster supply kits, visit the American Red Cross website at www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=46de1a53f1c37110VgnVCM1000003481a10aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default

If you are an individual or family who finds that it is easier to obtain pre-made kits, visit the Homeland Preparedness website.  They sell kits for all types of disaster situations. www.homelandpreparedness.com/cgi-bin/shop/sc_loadpagez.cgi?user_id=66383&file=index.html

3. AS THE DISASTER APPROACHES


Evacuation warnings can come hours and even days in advance.  Plan to take your pets with you when you evacuate.  If it is not safe for you to remain in the disaster area, then it’s not safe for your pets.  Leaving your pets behind could be a death sentence for them as they can easily become injured, lost or killed without your protection.  At the first hint of a disaster, act to protect your pet:


~ Leave early; don’t wait for the mandatory evacuation order.



~ Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pet.


~ Check to make sure your disaster supply kits are fully stocked and ready to take at a moment’s notice.


~ Make sure all your pets are inside the home so you don’t have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.


~ Make sure your dogs and cats are wearing their collars with securely attached ID information including your contact information and your temporary shelter location.


~ You may not be home when the order comes.  Make sure your designated pet caregiver knows where you will be temporarily sheltered and make pre-arrangements with them to deliver your pets.


~ Remember that a disaster can cause a great deal of stress for your pets.  Make sure your dogs are wearing leashes and your cats/small animals/birds are in carriers.  Don’t leave them unattended.

4. AFTER THE STORM


Planning and preparation will help you through a disaster.  But your home may be a very different place or you may not even be able to return without major cleanup and construction.  Keep your pet’s safety in mind in the aftermath of the storm.  They are still counting on you!


~ Don’t allow your pets to roam loose as familiar landmarks and smells may be gone.  They can easily become disoriented and/or lost.


~ If your house is damaged and all exits are not securely closed, you will need to keep your pets in crates or isolated in specific rooms.  This will prevent their accidental escape and/or injury.


~ Be patient and compassionate with your pets.  Their behavior might not be normal as they will be experiencing changes to their customary routine.  Remember, the disaster is as frightening for them as it is for you.


~ If behavior problems persist or health problems develop, consult your veterinarian.


~ If you are not able to live in your home while repairs take place, try to find temporary accommodations for your pet with friends/family or try to secure a pet friendly rental or hotel. 


~ This will help your pet remain with their family until the home is ready for return.

GET INVOLVED

The Connecticut Humane Society has been active in supporting pet-friendly legislation since our founding in 1881.

We have responded to many catastrophes since our inception over 128 years ago.  Recently, we sponsored the Federal Pets Act of 2006 and the State of Connecticut House Bill 5186 (signed into law by Governor Rell in May, 2007).  For our State to effectively handle a disaster it takes all of us working together.  You can get involved by becoming a volunteer for CTSart or becoming CERT trained.

The State Animal Response Team (SART) program was developed in North Carolina after Hurricane Floyd, in which 3 million animals lost their lives.  By creating a unifying partnership between emergency management professionals, veterinarians, animal care workers, non-for-profit organizations and state and local animal control officers, SART is able to quickly and effectively respond to any disaster in which animals are at risk.  The Connecticut Veterinary Medical Association, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management, Homeland Security and the Connecticut Humane Society sponsor CTSart.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training was adopted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1993.  Since then, over 1,100 communities have developed CERT programs to educate private citizens in disaster preparedness and response.  If you would like to provide aid in the event of a disaster, please visit www.citizencorps.gov/programs/cert for more information, including a State Directory of local CERT groups seeking additional members.

Below are links to websites with more information.

www.cemaonline.org./files/preparedness_guide_-_2005.pdf

www.ready.gov

www.citizencorps.gov