Even though Hurricane Lee was rather meek in our northern Maine area, other parts of the country usually aren’t so lucky. Hurricanes are a scary weather condition for humans and can be especially scary for our pets.
Knowing the steps to take care of your furry family members during a hurricane (or any extreme weather disaster) will help keep them safe.
There’s no such thing as being too prepared. Even living in northern Maine, where we see very little disastrous weather except for the occasional winter storm, there are some important things you can do to help keep both you and your pets safe.
Have an emergency plan
The first thing you should do is prepare a hurricane emergency plan, even before there’s any threat of a hurricane or evacuation. Having an action evacuation plan will help ensure that all family members know what to do if a hurricane hits.
This action plan should include where to go if there is an emergency, where to find supplies when needed, and what to do with your pets if there is a disaster. Your hurricane action plan should be easily accessible for everyone in your household so you’ll quickly be able to find everything you need in an emergency.
Build a pet emergency kit
One of the best things you can do is create your own pet emergency kit before you need it. Sit down with your family and your vet to determine everything you should include in your pet emergency kit.
Some suggestions about what to include for hurricane preparedness or any kind of emergency are drinking water and non-perishable dry food and canned food, preferably enough for a week or so. Include food and water dishes and your pets’ vet records and proof of vaccination.
Other important articles are a carrier for small pets and recent photos. Don’t forget a collar and ID tags for both your pet and pet carrier.
If you have a cat, litter and bags are a must. And don’t forget a pet first aid kit and some toys and treats that may help to comfort your pet.
All of these supplies should be packed and ready to go in the case of an emergency. You likely won’t have time to gather all your pet emergency supplies in the moment, so being prepared could potentially save not just your life, but also your pets’ lives.
Sticker for your house
It’s a good idea to have a pet emergency sticker in the front of your house. These stickers include your pets’ names, how many pets you have in your home, and an emergency contact number.
Stay safe out there.
Check out our Facebook page for pets available for adoption or stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society at 24 Cross Street, Presque Isle.
Please be responsible: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary and a member of the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
