Dog-Sense: For All Dog Owners

DISASTER EVACUATION WITH PETS

Florida dog owners lost livestock but thanked us for this disaster evacuation information that enabled them to save small animals from Hurricane Ian and other threats.

October 10, 2022 update | TheDogPress

Barbara "BJ" Andrews, Editor-In-Chief

Everyone needs an emergency plan in the event of floods, fires, or other disasters but if you have pets or elderly family members, copy and save this evacuation information.

Hurricanes wreak havoc but unlike tornadoes you have days to prepare for possible evacuation. Today we face the increasing threat of chemical spills such as forced evacuations in Ohio when people were exposed to hydrogen sulfide in August 2022.

Floods or storms give warning but human mobs can erupt suddenly and be even more violent. "Be prepared" isn't just Boy Scout wisdom it is common sense in today's world.

Collars, Leashes and Crates

Will the cat panic when loaded in the family car with your dog? You bet!  Crates can be a virtual lifesaver - for the driver as well as your frightened animals. Purchase cloth-web leashes and martingale type collars for each animal. Even a well trained dog may panic and slip loose from an ordinary collar or run away to snag a leash and literally choke in a choke collar.

If your dog doesn’t usually wear a collar, purchase a buckle-on I.D. collar that can be permanently labeled with your name and phone number. Keep the I.D. collar with the crate or by the door so you can quickly slip it on your dog. Look for collars with waterproof pockets to hold pet prescriptions and if you have more than one pet, put duplicate medications in each dog's collar or tape them on in separately marked, tiny zip lock bags. Use electrical tape to also affix a minimum 48 hour supply of any medication to each animal’s crate.

Attach an extra leash to the dog's pet carrier, which should be just big enough for him to turn around in so as to conserve space. If you have cats, birds or other pets, be sure to prepare for safe transport by having a crate for each pet and cage covers handy to reduce stress. Lodging may be scarce but you know your area so try a small Inn or Bed and Breakfast away from a busy internet exit.

Microchip Identification

If your pet gets loose and panics, that choke-safe collar or harness has your contact information. If it has been removed or lost, a thoughtful rescue, shelter, or vet tech might note that he is obviously not a “stray” and reach for the scanner to check for a microchip.

“Medicine Bag” Preparation

Native Americans carried a tanned-hide medicine bag containing their most important possessions but you can settle for having your backup cash, credit cards, mementos and medications in a waterproof, lightweight satchel, preferable one that you wear or that otherwise leaves your hands free.

Separate medication for each person or pet goes into small ziplock plastic bags. It would be wise to stash at least two weeks of medicine. Label each bag with waterproof indelible markers. The same for YOU!  NOTE: Set a quarterly reminder to rotate all medicine bags content to maintain freshness.

Emergency Food and Water

You should have two bags, one for dry food and a lightweight “soft side” frozen food pack. People and pet food “survival packs” go together in the dry food pack. Any refrigerated medicines and other perishables go in the cold pack. Your pet may be accustomed to raw meat or canned food but one spoils and the other is heavy if you are forced to hike it.

Dry food is low weight survival, for you and your pets.

If you have a medium or large size breed, accustom the dog to a pack harness now. He’s going to require more food and water than a cat or toy breed but fortunately, with just a little foresight, he can carry his own! Water packs are obviously essential but they are heavy. It might be wise to include small packets that sterilize unsafe water. Take nothing for granted. Your emergency evacuation plan should include the unthinkable, just in case.

Other Emergency Evacuation Items:

You probably have photos of your children, elderly family members, and pets.  Put them in the waterproof survival pack.  Photos are of critical I.D. value if you become separated. Photos can make reuniting possible because people can be injured or become disoriented in an emergency situation - just like your pets!

Self defense could become necessary no matter what kind of emergency forces you from the safety of your home. If you are against firearms, at the very least, have a stun gun and a good supply of pepper spray.

 If a disaster lasts more than a few days, predators will be on the prowl and most of them will be human. Each family member should carry some form of personal protection. Good people do bad things and in extreme situations, even a Five-Star hotel may not be able to provide adequate safety for you and your family.

We hope this information will never be needed but that it will motivate you to be prepared before disaster strikes. We have seen record weather disasters and unprecedented mob violence in major cities so don't leave your computer without making a disaster plan checklist!

Thumbs up to Gold Man for Reference & Related Article Information.

Hurricane Harvey In Houston    Katrina Hurricane Disaster

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