Planning for Natural Disasters
Lesli Wyant, DVM @ Vetcentric.com

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Donations for the rescued animals that have
fallen victim to the recent disasters:

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No one in Louisiana will forget Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita, but they, like people in all regions of the world, know that more of Mother Nature's wrath is bound to come.

Occurring nearly every day, floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and other natural disasters demand that we be ready to leave our home at a moment's notice. Many animals left behind are unable to survive; not all are as lucky as Tiny.

Keep your family and your animals safe by making a disaster plan today. Betty Sims of the Humane Society of the United States recommends taking the following measures in an emergency:

• Do not leave your pet behind. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your animals. If you have livestock or large animals, you should turn them out into pasture. The majority of large animal deaths involve those animals confined to barns or restrained to a leash or tie.
  
• Identify your pet. Place a collar with vital information about how to reach you in case of emergency; sometimes, it is a good idea to provide a second contact. National registry microchip identification is also recommended, but should not replace a collar or harness with an ID tag.
  
• Keep a photograph of your animal with you. If you and your pet get separated, a clear, in-focus picture will help others identify the animal. When you evacuate, you should also bring medical records that report the animal's vaccination status, medications it is taking, and contact information for your veterinarian.
  
• Properly restrain your pet. Equip yourself with an individual carrier, leash, collars, or harnesses for each animal.
  
• Prearrange accommodations. Contact pet-friendly hotels or out-of-town family and friends that will give both you and your pet a safe place to stay. Some hotels may make exceptions to no-pet policies in the case of disasters.
  
• Have supplies ready. Pack one to two weeks worth of your pet's food, water, medications, toys, treats, and cat litter. A first aid kit, bowls and blankets are good items to bring along as well. And don't forget to include paper towels, disinfectant, and plastic bags for mess cleanup.
  
• Plan evacuation and leave early. Waiting until the last minute to leave can result in forgotten items and increased risk.
  
• Carry emergency telephone numbers with you at all times. Make a list of anyone you might need to contact during the disaster, including the numbers for your veterinarian and local animal shelter.