CHARLESTOWN Nevis, August 31st 2011 - We often think of preparing our selves and our houses prior to a hurricane, but please do not t forget your animals! The following are some tips to help you. Please keep in mind, that some dogs are scared to death of lightning and thunder storms and may run off and be lost due to their fear of those as well as hurricanes.
Pet owners should have a kit for their pets, which should include:
- Supply of food for 7 days in an airtight, water proof container
- Drinking water for 7 days
- Bowls for food and water
- Vaccination records and physical description for each pet
- For dogs include–leash, collar and a sturdy carrier
- For cats include–litter and litter box and a sturdy carrier
- Check with your local shelter to see if they will accept dogs or cats and under what conditions. If you must leave your house for a shelter leave them in the most protected area in the home such as a bathroom with no windows. Also leave a supply of available water.
It is also recommended that you:
- Keep your animals with you; if you must leave an animal outside, do not leave him tethered.
- Place the pet emergency supply kit by the door so it is ready to go if you need to evacuate quickly
- Make sure your pet has visible identification on right now
- Talk with a trusted neighbor who can care for your pets if you are away
Owners of livestock animals including goats, cows, chickens and pigs should remember:
- Livestock especially goats should not be tied during storms as it prevents them from seeking shelter from high water and blowing debris.
- Ensure that poultry have access to high areas in which to perch, if they are in a flood-prone area, as well as to food and clean water.
- Remove all barbed wire, and consider rerouting permanent fencing so that animals may move to high ground in a flood and to low-lying areas during high winds.
- Obtain enough large containers to water your animals for at least a week as water supplies are often contaminated during a disaster.
- Secure or remove anything that could become blowing debris, if you have boats, feed troughs, or other large containers, fill them with water before the hurricane. This prevents them from blowing around and also gives you an additional supply of water.
- The leading causes of death of large animals in hurricanes and similar events are collapsed barns, dehydration, electrocution, and accidents resulting from fencing failure. If you own farm animals, you should take precautions to protect them from these hazards.
Color me in! Take care of your animals in a Hurricane!
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