President’s Corner – August 2024 – Disaster Preparedness for Your Pets

Since we just had our first brush with a potentially bad storm, I wanted to discuss an aspect of storm preparation that a lot of people leave for the last minute – if at all. I absolutely hate seeing the stories on the news of the pets left behind when a storm hits. I can only imagine how scared they must be to have to deal with the storm on their own AND their family leaving them behind. For anyone who knows me, I love animals. I have both dogs and cats and can’t imagine not making the necessary arrangements and accommodations for them during Hurricane Season.

So, let’s talk about preparing for a storm or disaster if you have pets.  Here are some basic planning tips for you to use in your overall Disaster Plan (that everyone in Florida should have, BTW):

MAKE A PLAN

• Have an evacuation plan. Many shelters and hotels do not allow pets, especially large pets, as I learned the hard way with a Great Dane. Identity a safe place to evacuate to where you can take your pets.
• Make sure you include a buddy system in your plan. Plan with neighbors, friends, or relatives to have an emergency contact on standby in case you are unable to reach your animals or care for them during a storm.
• Make sure your pet is microchipped. Even if your pet just escapes from the house, ensuring they are microchipped is a great way for others to be able to know who they belong to.
• If you need assistance to care for your pet during an emergency, make sure you contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or even your veterinarian for additional information about resources in your area that can help.

BUILD A KIT

When you are building the disaster kit for your family,  make a lit for your pets as well. Items to include are:

• Food in an airtight, waterproof container (several days supply)
• Clean water and water bowl
• Medicine (also in a waterproof container)
• First aid kit
• Collar with ID tag or harness and a leash. You should also include a backup set as well.
• Copies of your pet’s required registration information or other relevant documents relating to your pet’s identity and health.
• Traveling bag, crate, or carrier.
• Grooming items. Dogs like to play in the mud. 😊
• Sanitation needs such as litter box, newspapers, towels, plastic trash bags, pee pads, and household cleaner for accidents.
• A picture of you and your pet together. Should you get separated, a picture of you and your pet will help document ownership and help others assist you in identifying your pet if you are separated.
• Familiar items such as favorite toys, treats, and bedding. Familiar items can help with stress during the storm and recovery efforts.

PREPARE FOR TRAVEL

Even if you plan on riding out the storm, sometimes mother nature has other ideas and you may need to travel with your pet even if you did not plan on evacuating. Here are some tips to get your pet ready to travel in a carrier. If your pet is not accustomed to carriers and crates, preparing for travel will also help with stress. 

• Leave the carrier out in places your pet frequently visits.
• Leave the carrier open.
• Feed them treats near or inside the carrier.
• Add a favorite blanket or small bed inside the carrier so it smells familiar.
• Make note of where your pets hide when they are stressed or scared so you can easily find them if you need to leave the house quickly.

STAY INFORMED

Make sure you are enrolled in emergency alerts through Brevard Emergency Management. It is very easy to sign up and you should do this now as we have a very active emergency operations center (due to our rocket launches) and having a way to receive all alerts is beneficial whether a storm is approaching or not. To receive text message updates on your cell phone, text BrevardEOC to 888777.

Finally, always bring your pets indoors before the storm. If you have to prepare an area or room for your pet to be inside with you, do so during your other storm preparation activities.

So, until next time, do your disaster preparation for your pets and remember, “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” – Immanual Kant

Eva M. Rey, President
Central Viera Community Association, Inc.