Protecting Our Furry Friends

As Florida slowly rebuilds in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, and with last month being National Preparedness Month, we are constantly finding ourselves thinking about what we would do in the event of a disaster. In the craziness of creating an emergency plan for yourself, your family, your home, and your possessions – we must not forget about our furry friends.

Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s disaster plan. To prepare for the unexpected, and keep your animals safe, follow these tips with your pets in mind.

Make a Plan

• Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
• Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends, or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Have your pet microchipped and keep your address and phone number up to date.
• Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.
• Build an Emergency Kit for your pet. Think about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version if you need to evacuate. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.
• Learn more at ready.gov/pets.

Stay Informed

• Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials.
• Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
• Download the FEMA link and get alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm or disaster.