COLLIER COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Prepare to Survive!

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Caring for Your Animals In a Hurricane Emergency
(Based on a brochure produced by Sarasota County (FL) Emergency Management)

Hotels which accept pets in emergencies!

Disaster Preparedness Tips for Companion Animals

FEMA's
Enroll in the FEMA Independent Study courses!

IS-10 Animals in Disaster - Module A -  Awareness and Preparedness

IS-11 Animals in Disaster - Module B - Community Planning
 

ESF-17, Florida Division of Animal Industry Animal Protection Brochure

American Red Cross Pet First Aid - Order Pet First Aid Booklet

Humane Society of the United States | Disaster Preparedness for Bird and Reptile Owners

 More Pet information

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"A major failing of all Floridians has been the 
apparent inability to learn and retain the important lessons 
previous hurricanes have taught us.  Andrew's most obvious 
lesson was that we were not prepared for this hurricane, 
neither as individuals nor as a community.  This mistake 
must not reoccur."

Dade County Grand Jury
Final Report
December 1992

While 38% of U. S. households have children, 43% have pets! Florida is the third most populous state in the nation, and more than 80% of its population lives within 10 miles of the coast. There is no geographical point in Florida that is more than 60 miles from saltwater.

If you live in Florida you must plan for hurricanes, and that planning should include your pets. Any disaster that threatens humans, threatens animals as well.

When any Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico storm is named, all Floridians should take it seriously. Watch it closely, and begin the implementation of your family disaster plan!

Public hurricane refuges will NOT accept pets. If you wait until the last minute to evacuate, you may have no choice but to go to a public refuge. If such a situation should force you to leave pets behind, please prepare your children and other family members for the fact that they may not survive, or may be irretrievably lost before you are able, or permitted, to return to your home.

There is now way to know how long it will be before you are permitted back after the storm. Frightened animals quickly slip out open doors, broken windows, or other damaged areas of your home opened by the storm. Released pets are likely to die of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or on the road where they can endanger others. Even normally friendly animals of different species should not be allowed together unattended, since the stress of the storm may cause distinct behavior changes.

REMEMBER: If you must evacuate. . . the conditions are not only unsafe for you but unsafe for other living creatures as well!
 

LIVESTOCK PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS Horses and livestock should never be left in your barn.  Large animals do better in open pastures away from all buildings.  Select a Pasture away from power lines.  Interior gates should be removed or tied open.  The pasture should provide both a low area such as a lake and high ground in case of flooding.  If you own livestock, especially large animals or large numbers, remember they consume large amounts of water.  Investment in a hand pump for your well and a generator is highly recommended in rural areas such as the Golden Gate Estates areas.  Remember to microchip your pet(s) and take a photo of you and your pet(s) together every year.

A written DISASTER PLAN will help you and your pets survive. Identify your evacuation zone and elevation to determine whether you would have to evacuate, and when. If you are located on the storm surge flood plain, the decision to evacuate will always depend on the category of the storm. Always prepare for one category stronger than what is being forecast, as hurricanes often strengthen just before making landfall.

      What you do with your pet(s) depends on where you and your family will be going in the event of a storm or hurricane.  Joining friends and family in a safe location is the preferred option.  It is very important to make sure your pet(s) is as welcome as you before the storm is here.  Talk over where and how your pet(s) will be housed.  If you plan to stay in a motel or hotel, call ahead of time to determine all restrictions.  Some motels and hotels require deposits.  The AAA Auto Club prints a Motel/Hotel Pet Book for the Southeastern States.

      When planning to board your pet(s) survey the kennels to determine specific locations and requirements.  Most boarding facilities require proof of up to date vaccinations and reservations. Remember most public shelters do not allow pets.  Check with your Animal Services and Emergency Management Departments for options available in your area.  Most areas have some type of plan, which will include your pet(s).

If the storm suddenly strengthens, you will not have time to change your plans, as winds will have reached speeds that will make travel unsafe.

Evacuation information, as well as additional preparedness guidelines may be obtained from the Emergency Management Department at 774 8444.

Your goal should be to evacuate to a safe location close to home. Long distance evacuation is not recommended as highways will be crowded. Friends or relatives in a safe area are your best choice. The comfort of knowing you are safe together far outweighs any inconvenience. If they are unable to house both you and your pets, arrange shelter for your pets at a veterinarian or kennel close to your evacuation location so you will be able to have as much contact with them as possible. You and your pets will fare better if you are together.

If you plan to go to a motel, find out in advance whether pets are welcome, and what (if any) special rules may apply. When you have found a safe location for your evacuation, assist the host property owner in developing their disaster plan!

All animals should have secure carriers (or collapsible cages for large dogs) as well as collars, leashes and current rabies tags. Carriers should be large enough for the animals to stand comfortably and turn around. Train your pets to become familiar with their carriers ahead of time. Then the carrier will be a secure and comfortable refuge if the animal is required to live in it for days - even weeks - after the storm.

Before the hurricane season begins on June 1 of each year, make sure all of your pets have current immunizations and take these records with you if you must evacuate. Photograph each of your pets prior to June 1 and include these pictures with your immunization and allergy records.

Your pet survival kit should include ample food (at least two weeks supply); water/food bowls; medications; specific care instructions; newspapers and plastic trash bags for handling waste; brushes, combs and other hygiene items; toys and other comfort items; and muzzles if necessary. A manual can opener is a necessity. All belongings should be clearly marked with identification. If you are not evacuating your pets to a commercial animal facility, you should also include first aid supplies for your pets in the survival kit.

Take first aid and CPR courses, and keep the manuals handy. The same basic principles apply to animals. Ask your Vet for an emergency care pamphlet for animals.

If you plan to shelter your pets at a kennel or clinic, call before evacuating to be sure space is available. Allow sufficient time to travel from the kennel to your evacuation location after making certain your animals are secure.

If you have exotic pets, contact local pet stores or zoological gardens, in a safe area, for assistance in sheltering your pet. Again, be prepared to supply appropriate housing (not glass) and other necessary supplies to sustain the pet for at least two weeks.

The facility should be operated by knowledgeable and capable staff, and the location should be high and dry and of sturdy construction, including hurricane shutters.

Throughout the evacuation and the storm, your pets will need reassurance from you. Remain calm, keep as close to their normal routine as possible, and speak to them regularly in a calm, reassuring voice.

It is just as important to adequately plan for your pets even if you don't have to evacuate. Carriers, collars with proper ID and leashes should be maintained for your pets at all times.

Your pets will be most comfortable in a safe area of your home until the storm has passed. If they are not secured during the storm and your house is damaged, your pets may become disoriented, since normal landmarks and scent trails could be obliterated. If your pets become lost, proper ID will ensure their return to you.

Place your pet food and medications in watertight containers in a cool, dry, dark place. Store adequate water for your pets. Your normal water supply may become contaminated. (To purify water, add two drops of unscented household bleach per quart of water, mix, and seal tightly, and let stand for 30 minutes before drinking.)

If you bring plants into your home, be careful not to allow pets access to them, since many ornamental plants are poisonous!

Walk your animals on a leash or lead until they become reoriented to their surroundings. CAUTION: Downed power lines and other debris pose real dangers to you and your pets! Do not allow pets to consume food or water which may have become contaminated. Be extremely careful in using candles or oil lamps, particularly around pets. Never leave them unattended!

When you know you've done everything you can do to protect all members of your family, disaster preparedness will give you tremendous peace of mind. Be critical of your plan, review and update it with your family regularly.

COASTAL FLOODING - Flooding along low lying coastal areas which may occur even though the storm generating the flooding is not a direct threat to the area.

TROPICAL STORM WATCH - Be on the alert that specific areas may be threatened by tropical storm conditions in 24-48 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNING - Tropical storm conditions, including sustained winds of 39-73 miles per hour, are expected to hit the warned area within 24 hours.

HURRICANE WATCH - Hurricane conditions including sustained winds including sustained winds of 75 miles per hour (and high gusts) could affect the area within 24-36 hours.

HURRICANE WARNING - Hurricane conditions are expected in the warned area within 24 hours. You should rush all preparations to completion!

 

For additional Collier County hurricane information, write or call:

COLLIER COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT 3301 East Tamiami Trail, Building F Naples, Florida 34112 (239) 774-8444 Board of County Commissioners Emergency Services Division  Collier County, Florida Last updated 28 May 2002 by Rick Zyvoloski, RichardZyvoloski@colliergov.net   © 2002, Board of County Commissioners of Collier County, Florida