The third major storm of the hurricane season, category three Hurricane Fred, is currently churning out in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 2000 miles from St. Maarten. Hurricane Fred, the sixth storm of the season does not pose any threat to land. At the same time, it is a reminder that we should not let our guard down.
The Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness is asking animal owners and pet lovers to consider the safety of their pets and to draft a plan to protect them in the event of a hurricane strike.
This appeal is in line with the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness’s 2009 hurricane season theme, ‘It Only Takes One.’
Animals are barred from hurricane shelters. Therefore, pet owners should consider the risk to animals during disasters. When a hurricane threatens, pet owners should select a room in their home – never leave a pet outside during the storm, definitely not on a chain. If you cannot bring them indoors, secure them in another safe place such as a concrete garage.
Include your pet in your emergency food supply kit. Have at least one week of canned food and/or dry food. Be sure to store enough water for your pet/s. If your pet needs medication, be sure to have enough medications on hand and stored in a waterproof container. You should also include tick-flea medication and anti-heartworm tablets.
Always keep an identification tag on your pet, even those that are kept indoors. Pets may get lost and the ID tag will assist in finding the owner and returning your pet to you.
If you have to leave your home, arrange a safe place for your pets to stay prior to a hurricane strike. Have a leash and/or a portable carrier (big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around) on hand to move your pet from one location to the next.
For further information regarding pet and animal safety during times of disaster, you can contact Animals R Friends or one of the Veterinary Clinics.
The hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.