It’s hurricane season, and if you leave your pets behind, they could get injured or get lost, therefore, you should have a ‘pet plan’ in place to keep your pet happy and comfortable.
Pets are an important member of your household.
During a disaster, what’s good for you and your family is also good for your pet (s) and therefore, you should have a storm-ready plan in place should a hurricane threaten our country, Office of Disaster Management (ODM) said on Monday.
Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season. Be prepared!
First, a pet (s) should never be chained outdoors during the passing of a storm/hurricane. Hurricane shelters cannot accept pets, therefore, if you plan to leave your home, you need to make plans in advance.
If you plan to leave your home before a hurricane strike and are not able to take your pets with you, you should put your pet (s) in the safest room and leave adequate water and food for several days.
If you do not want to leave your pet home alone, make alternative arrangements with family or friends, and also check with your veterinarian/animal hospital.
Your pet plan and basic survival kit should have the following: food for a minimum of seven days or more; water for seven days or more; medicines/medical record; registration/vaccination documents.
A pet first aid kit (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves; and cleaning alcohol for a wound).
Collar or harness with an ID tag and a leash; a crate or pet carrier (e.g. for a cat) in case you need to evacuate your home.
Sanitation: depending on the type of pet you have, make sure you have sufficient litter, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach.