Keep Your Pets Safe in an Emergency
Pets were on of the top reasons Hurricane Katrina survivors gave for not evacuating the 2005 disaster, according to the Fritz Institute. Nonetheless, the ASPCA reports some 250,000 dogs and cats were either killed in the devastating storm or left without shelter.
After many disasters, thousands of household pet are left to fend for themselves and are lost, injured, or killed, which is why it’s essential to have an evacuation plan that includes your pets. AAA suggests some steps you can take now that will keep your “fur babies” and other beloved pets safe in an emergency.
Apply a pet rescue alert sticker to your window. These stickers can be purchased for dogs, cats, birds or multi-pet households. They alert rescuers and first responders there might be animals trapped inside.
Create an emergency supply kit. This kit should include at least three days’ worth of food and water; medications and medical records (in a waterproof container); garbage bags; a leash, a crate or carrier; a picture of your pet in case you become separated; and anything else necessary for your pet’s survival.
Microchip your dog or cat. Even an ID tag or collar can be lost or pulled off. A microchip might be the only way to be certain your pet can be identified during a disaster. If you’ve changed addresses or phone numbers, be sure to update this information assigned to your pet’s microchip. Otherwise, rescuers might not be able to contact you in the event your pet is lost.
Investigate places for your pets to stay. Because pets are not always allowed in emergency shelters, you should have a list of places your pet can stay in case of a natural disaster. A pet shelter, a pet-friendly hotel, and the homes of relatives or friends outside the area are all potential places where your pet could be sheltered.
Bring your animals inside. When you hear that a storm or disaster is on its way, make sure your pets are in the house close to you. Dogs and cats can get confused and become disoriented during difficult times and might try to run away.
Contain your pets. Put dogs in a room with the door closed and put cats in a carrier. The sound of thunder or the smell of smoke can frighten animals, and they might disappear under beds or in other parts of the house, making them difficult to find in a hurry.
Make sure birds and small animals are secure. If you have a bird, try to get it into a cage, and make sure that its leg band, if it wears one, is properly in place. For pets like mice, hamsters, lizards, and guinea pigs, the best thing is to latch them into their cages, so they can’t escape.
Establish a buddy system. Arrange to exchange keys and information with a friend who also has a pet. That way, you can check on each other’s houses and pets in case there’s an emergency when one of you can’t make it home.
Pets are an important part of some 85 million American homes, according to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. Make sure your pets and the rest of your family are covered. For more information on auto, homeowners, or renters insurance, contact your AAA Insurance agent at 1-800-222-1469, visit AAA.com/Insurance, or stop by your local AAA office.
