Hurricane Preparedness - Animals




A recent newspaper article reported that the numbers of animals that passed as a result of Hurricane Isaac was nearly 250,000. While that estimate certainly is bloated to account for the loss of domestic pets and feral animals, the sheer volume of loss, regardless, is staggering. The main culprit of the loss was reported to be shelter homes that disallowed animals so the pet owners had to leave their animal(s) alone during the hurricane - something that we have addressed in previous articles. The point of this article is not to blame the people who were in duress over the approaching hurricane but to reemphasize the need for an emergency plan.

While not a perfect science, despite all of the spun propaganda concerning the latest Doppler system, hurricane tracking and prediction is reasonably accurate and the warning systems in place are active and constant so there is no way someone should not know that they are in the path of a potential hurricane. Even people who do not watch TV, listen to the radio, or use any type of electronic media certainly have overheard others speaking about an approaching, or potentially approaching, hurricane, tropical storm, or tropical depression so there is no excuse for not being prepared other than thinking that you are not at risk. This line of thinking, however, is the contributing negligence for the loss of nearly 250,000 pets and feral animals.

As a water damage restoration company that is based in Florida, we understand that the news reporters can be overzealous and unreasonable in the reporting of potential danger as they attempt to sell their sensationalized drama while circumventing their potential disturbance of the peace by disclaiming they "err on the side of caution" which can lead to a jaded population who has heard the wolf cry far too often to pay attention but when the time comes that you know that the wolf is heading your way, the time to plan is over and it is time to move. Your plan to protect your family, including your pets, is now in effect and there is no room for error.

As a public service and to prevent further devastating loss of animal life, here is a quick list of planning tips to protect your pets:
  • Investigate and register your pets with the closest animal shelter when there is no need to

  • Have a small amount of surplus medicine and food available to give to the shelter

  • If you do not want your pet housed in a shelter then plan ahead and find a hotel, family member, or friend - that is not in an affected area - to take in and care for your pet

  • Even if your pet is accustomed to riding in your vehicle, put your pet in a reasonably sized travel cage in order to limit the stress of a foreboding and unknown situation

  • Keep tuna fish on hand as it is a good source of protein for dogs, cats, and humans
Professional emergency planners recommend that you do not leave your pet home alone during a hurricane even if you leave ample food and water which is good advice. While it is possible that everything will blow over, do you really want the stress of wondering about your pet and how will you feel if you get back to your home and find your beloved pet is one of the 250,000?

Spare yourself and your family the grief, regret, and sorrow... make an emergency plan NOW!!!

This article is composed by and offered as a public service by Jimmy K.
Jimmy K is the Independent Owner and Operator of

Emergency Response Restoration
(http://www.emergencyresponserestoration.com/),
2665 N Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32118.
Jimmy K is a true consumer advocate who is not afraid to battle the insurance company to ensure the proper restoration of the consumer's water damaged home office or asset.