HelpingAnimals.com // Features
Disaster Preparation Checklist
Last year, Hurricane Katrina left thousands of companion animals homeless and hopeless. All that pain and suffering could have been avoided. With the start of the 2006 hurricane season, PETA encourages everyone to get ahead of the storm and make arrangements for their animals’ safety. Please take a moment to make sure that you and your animal companions have a plan.
- If at all possible, do not leave animals behind. There is no way of knowing what may happen to your home while you are away, and you may not be able to return for days or even weeks. Animal companions left behind may become malnourished, dehydrated, or crushed by collapsing walls. They may drown or escape in fear and become lost.
- All animals should have collars with identification. Make sure that you have a current photo of your animal companion for identification purposes, the same as you would for a child.
- Place an emergency window sticker near your front door in case a weather emergency or fire strikes when you are not home. This sticker will alert rescuers to animals in your home who need help. Be sure to note how many animals are in the home and where they can be found.
- Have an animal emergency kit readily available. The kit should include a harness and leash or carrier, bottled water, food and water bowls, and dry food. If you have a cat, keep litter and a small litter tray ready to go. Click here to order a PETA Rescue Kit to keep in your car that contains a collapsible carrier, leash, and towel. The kit is helpful if you must grab your animals quickly or if you encounter an animal on the road in need of help. You might also need blankets or sheets to cover carriers and help keep animals calm during transport.
- Hotels often lift their "no pets" policies during emergencies, but keep a list of hotels that always accept companion animals, just in case. (Most Motel 6s accept animals.) Include your local animal shelter's number in your list of emergency numbers—it might be able to provide information during a disaster.
- If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your animal companion. Most boarding kennels, veterinarians, and animal shelters require medical records to make sure that rabies vaccinations are current, so keep copies of these records with your emergency kit.
If You Must Leave Your Animal Behind
Leaving an animal behind should be avoided at all costs and could lead to the terrifying and painful death of your beloved companion. If you have absolutely no choice, take these precautions:- Never turn animals loose outside. Do not tie them up outside or keep them in a vehicle unattended. Leave them in a secure area inside your home.
- Leave out at least 10 days' supply of water. Fill every sink, bowl, pan, and Tupperware container with water, then set them on the floor; do not leave just one container—it may spill. If your toilet bowl is free of chemical disinfectants, leave the toilet seat up to provide animals with one more source of water, but do not let that be the only source. Put several inches of water in your bath tub, but not so much that the animal could drown if he or she falls in. If the animal is small, make some steps that lead into and out of the tub.
- Leave out at least 10 days' supply of dry food. Canned food will get moldy very quickly. Place signs in your windows and on your front door indicating how many and what kind of animals are inside. Rescue teams may be able to save them if conditions prevent you from returning.
- If you can't get to your home, contact a reliable neighbor or friend to check on the animals and get them out, if possible. Provide specific instructions on care.
Helping Wild Animals
Wild animals may also need our help during severe storms. Strong winds and gusts generated by tropical storms and hurricanes often throw young tree squirrels, flying squirrels, and baby birds from their nests. Flooding from significant rainfall may also force small mammals from their subterranean homes.Following severe weather, be sure to search carefully through debris and nearby creeks and streams for animals who have been displaced from their homes. These animals may need help right away. Before inclement weather arrives, check out the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association Web site and locate the nearest rehabilitator so you'll know whom to contact in the event of an emergency.
You can improve the lives of dogs and cats suffering from cruelty and neglect.
Forward this to friends.
PETA's House Government Reform Committee Testimony
Heroes of the Storm
Stars Urge Officials to Take Action to Protect Animals in Disasters in PETA Ad
Read the Latest News From the Gulf Coast
Listen to PETA's Reports From New Orleans
Watch Footage of PETA's Life-Saving Work
See Pictures of PETA's Rescue Work
