The only way to reduce the devastation of a disaster is to be prepared. The more you prepare, the better your chances of reducing suffering and risk for yourself, your family, your animals, and your community. While 38% of U. S. households have children, 43% have pets! In Utah, more than 50% of our population lives on or near the Wasatch Fault. There are other potential man-made disasters which could affect Utah, Salt Lake, Davis and Weber Counties. If you live in Utah you must plan for earthquakes, wild fires, tornadoes and floods, and that planning should include your pets. Any disaster that threatens humans, threatens animals as well. When any natural or man-made disaster is declared, implement your family disaster plan! |
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Why Pet Owners Must PlanPublic shelters generally will NOT accept pets. If you must evacuate your home, you may have no choice but to go to a public shelter. If such a situation should force you to leave pets behind, please prepare your children and other family members for the fact that pets may not survive, of may be irretrievably lost before you are able, or permitted, to return to your home. There is no way to know how long it will be before you are permitted to return following a disaster. Frightened animals quickly slip out open doors, broken windows, or other damaged areas of your home. 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 disaster may cause distinct behavior changes. REMEMBER: If you must evacuate, conditions are not only unsafe for you but also for pets! |
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Develop Your WRITTEN Plan Now!A written DISASTER PLAN will help you and your pets survive. Identify evacuation routes and determine conditions in which you would have to evacuate. If you are located in a flood plain, the decision to evacuate will always depend on the level of the flood waters. If an earthquake has damaged your home, the decision to evacuate will depend on the structural condition of your home. REMEMBER: You may not have time to change your plans, as travel may be unsafe. Evacuation information may be obtained from the Emergency Broadcasting System or from the American Red Cross or your local Emergency Manager. Your goal should be to evacuate to a safe location close to home. Long distance evacuation is not recommended as highways may 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! |
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If You Must Evacuate . . .. . .LEAVE EARLY! An unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to leave safely! 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 several days or even weeks. Insure all of your pets have current immunizations and take these records with you if you must evacuate. Photograph each of your pets and include these pictures with your immunization and important 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. Throughout the evacuation, 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. |
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If You Can Stay at HomeIt 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 normalcy has been restored. If they are not secured during the aftermath 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! |
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After The DisasterWalk 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. |
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Important Telephone Numbers
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