Hurricane Irma: Pet Safety Tips Before Storm

MARYLAND — A Bel Air, Maryland non-profit called Pets on Wheels, Inc. is offering pet owners safety tips to help prepare for natural disasters. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma coming up, the organization is providing residents with advice, resources and more—just in case.

Pets on Wheels, Inc. recommends that residents should have a pet disaster/emergency evacuation kit on hand, including:

• Food and water for at least 5 days in a sealed (water proof) container
• Medical information, medication list, veterinarian’s name, address and phone number, vaccination record, and current photo of each pet. This information will be required to board pets and if you stay at a hotel or motel with your pet.
• Medications – Include insulin & syringes, eye or ear drops, skin creams, medicated shampoos
• Collar or harness and leash
• Carriers or crate, ideally one for each pet
• Litter and box, scoop and garbage bags in a sealed, waterproof container. You can buy disposable litter pans or make your own using disposable aluminum casserole/cooking pans.
• Waste disposal bags
• Piddle pads and pet diapers (if needed). Pads can be helpful for emergency clean up or as a surface barrier to keep your pet on a clean surface. As they absorb water, keep them in plastic zip lock bag or sealed container.
• Grooming items & first aid supplies
• Special needs items for your pets – storm shirts, coat/sweaters, toys or comfort items, etc.
• Flashlight, spare batteries / powerbanks. You may want to consider a solar charging bank, also.

The organization says that if you plan to shelter in place, you should identify alternate evacuation locations that accept pets.

>> See Related: Will Hurricane Irma Hit Maryland?

Additionally, you should plan to take your pets with you if you need to evacuate. Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to find out if they accept pets.

If you have to board your pet, Pets on Wheels, Inc. suggests you consider a kennel or veterinarian's office. Make sure to identify your pet's vaccination requirements for boarding in advance. Make sure to ask the boarding facility what their plans are for pets if their facility is closed, the organization suggests.

The National Weather Service says that if Hurricane Irma tracks near the mid-Atlantic, it would not be until next week. Flooding rain, damaging winds, tornadoes and tidal flooding are threats Maryland could face, weather officials said. (Get Patch’s real-time news alerts or like us on Facebook. For iPhone users, get the free Patch app.)

Pets on Wheels, Inc. offers the following resources that are helpful for pet owners during natural disasters:

• https://www.ready.gov/animals (Includes tips for large animals)
• https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness
• https://www.cdc.gov/features/petsanddisasters/index.html
  https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/ (Pet Friendly Hotels Worldwide)

Watch: Top 5 Most Devastating Hurricanes To Hit The U.S.

Pixabay Photo