# 6377
Compared to the record setting pace of FEMA disaster declarations we saw in 2011, the first five and half months of 2012 have been far more tranquil. To date, we’ve only seen 13 federal disaster declarations - about 1/3rd the number we’d seen by this time in 2011 (n=40).
While we can enjoy and give thanks for this period of relative disaster quiescence, we can’t expect it to last. And the simple truth is, it only takes one disaster to ruin your entire day.
Getting people to prepare when the sun is shining has always been difficult, but that is precisely the right time to prepare.
And not only for yourself and your family, but for your pets, as well.
When Hurricane Katrina took aim at city of New Orleans in 2005, hundreds of thousands of people were told to evacuate on very short notice. Many of these evacuees were pet owners, and they quickly learned that evacuation busses – and most emergency shelters – were unable to accommodate their beloved animals.
For many, this led to an agonizing decision.
To stay and ride out the storm, or leave their pets behind with food and water for a couple of days, and pray they would be allowed to return in that time.
Something that we know, became impossible for most residents.
In the days and weeks that followed the storm, thousands of animals were rescued from miserable conditions by volunteers, such as those working for the North Shore Animal League.
In the wake of the tragic images and heartbreaking stories of loss coming from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita that year, Congress passed what is called the PETS Act, which amends the existing Emergency Assistance and Disaster Relief Act to:
“. . . . ensure that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.
The PETS Act authorizes FEMA to provide rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs for individuals with household pets and service animals, and to the household pets and animals themselves following a major disaster or emergency.” - PETS Act FAQ
Which means that most counties now have some availability of Pet-Friendly emergency shelters . . . but space is always limited, some require advance registration, and not all pets owners can be accommodated.
FEMA has some preparedness advice for pet owners on their website:
Information for Pet Owners
If you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND! Pets most likely cannot survive on their own; and if by some remote chance they do, you may not be able to find them when you return.
For additional information, please contact The Humane Society of the United States.
Plan for Pet Disaster Needs
- Identifying shelter. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets. Find out which motels and hotels in the area you plan to evacuate to allow pets -- well in advance of needing them. There are also a number of guides that list hotels/motels that permit pets and could serve as a starting point. Include your local animal shelter's number in your list of emergency numbers -- they might be able to provide information concerning pets during a disaster.
- Take pet food, bottled water, medications, veterinary records, cat litter/pan, can opener, food dishes, first aid kit and other supplies with you in case they're not available later. While the sun is still shining, consider packing a "pet survival" kit which could be easily deployed if disaster hits.
- Make sure identification tags are up to date and securely fastened to your pet's collar. If possible, attach the address and/or phone number of your evacuation site. If your pet gets lost, his tag is his ticket home. Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.
- Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness for your pet so that if he panics, he can't escape.
- Animals in Emergencies for Owners This video, developed by the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program (CSEPP) /FEMA, is intended to help pet and livestock owners prepare to protect their animals during emergencies.
And you’ll find some helpful pet preparedness videos available on the PHE.GOV’s Youtube Channel.
To find out more information about the disaster resources for pets in your area contact your county Emergency Management Office, or local animal shelter.
But do it today.
If you wait until a hurricane or some other disaster is on your doorstep, you may find your options severely limited.
