Hurricane Safety Tips for Pets

With Hurricane Irene bears expected to hit Long Island at some point Sunday,  a no-kill rescue and adoption organization in Port Washington, offers these safety tips for pets.   

Before The Storm

• Keep pet’s vaccinations current and paperwork easily accessible.
• Use a collar with proper identification and rabies tag on your pet.
• Make a list of potential pet refuges in the event of emergency: shelters, veterinary clinics, friends, relatives.
• Make a list of pet-friendly hotels/motels.
• Assemble an emergency pet supply kit in a  waterproof container, including: 

1. Phone numbers and addresses: veterinarian, poison control
2. Copies of current veterinary history including medical conditions, vaccination information, prescription medications with dose and frequency
3. Supply of current prescriptions labeled with name of pet, medication and dosage; include heartworm and flea/tick medication
4. Photo of your pet
5. A sturdy, comfortable carrier/crate large enough to accommodate each pet for several days.  Be sure your pet can stand and turn around in the carrier.
6. At least a three to five day supply of food and water, including bowls and a manual can opener if your animals eat canned food
7. Cat litter and litter box (or disposable aluminum baking pan can be used)
8. Cleaning supplies: newspapers, plastic bags, disinfectant, paper towels
9. Extra collars, harnesses, leashes, and ID tags
10. Medical gloves to protect hands and prevent contamination
11. Scissors to cut gauze or the animal’s hair
12. Mild antibacterial soap to clean skin and wounds
13. Gauze pads and rolls for wounds
14. Alcohol prep pads: to sterilize equipment – not for use on wounds
15. Self-adhesive bandages and flexible bandage to wrap/stabilize injuries 
16. Hydrogen peroxide to clean minor wounds
17. Eyewash: such as contact lens solution or water in a squeeze bottle to gently flush out wounds and eyes
18. Antibiotic ointment for cuts and abrasions (never for eyes)
19. Cotton applicator swabs
20. Tweezers for the removal of foreign objects and ticks from skin and paws
21. Tattoo or microchip number
22. Toys and treats
23. Waterless antiseptic hand wash for humans
24. Flashlight with fresh batteries 

During A Storm 

• Bring pets inside well-in-advance of a storm and reassure them.
• Never leave a pet chained outside.
• Animals can become frightened by unfamiliar noises. Keeping a pet within sight when possible will reassure him.
• Never tranquilize pets. It will inhibit their natural survival instincts to escape potential danger.

After A Storm

• Help re-orient your pets to their home by walking them on a leash. They may be confused or lost if landmarks and familiar scents are altered.
• Be careful of downed power lines and debris brought in with high water.
• Contact your local animal control office if a pet is missing, to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Bring a picture of your pet or microchip number.
• Don't allow your pet to drink water or eat food that may have been contaminated.
• Animals can become aggressive or defensive after a disaster.  Monitor their behavior and contact your veterinarian if it does not subside.
• Spay or neuter your pet so it will not become pregnant, or impregnate other animals, if it is lost in an emergency.

Always read directions and warnings before applying any medications, either prescribed or over-the-counter, to your pet. Additionally, remember the importance of spaying or neutering a pet so it will not become pregnant, or impregnate other animals, if lost an emergency.