The HSUS Urges Texas and Louisiana Residents to Include Pets in Disaster Preparations

The Humane Society of the United States
Monday, 14 July 2003

As Tropical Storm Claudette nears the Texas coastline, and residents in Texas and Louisiana prepare for possible high winds and flooding, The HSUS reminds pet owners to remember their pets when making emergency plans for their family.

"It's crucial that people with companion animals prepare now and remember to provide for the needs of their animals," said Anne Culver, director of disaster services for The HSUS. "Pets are a part of our families too, and we need to plan now for their safety and well-being."

Every family with a pet should have a disaster supply kit packed in a waterproof container. The container should have at least a three-day supply of food and water, pet medications, veterinary records, leashes or harnesses, a pet carrier and a current photo of your pets.

Situations such as hurricanes and tropical storms will usually call for one of two shelter options; evacuation or sheltering in place. Tune in to television or battery powered radio and listen to local authorities to determine which method to follow.

If the need arises to shelter in place, close your windows and doors, stay inside and follow these tips:

• Bring your pets indoors as soon as local authorities say there is an imminent problem. Keep pets under your direct control; if you have to evacuate, you will not have to spend time trying to find them.
• If you have a room you can designate as a "safe room," put your emergency supplies in that room in advance, including your pet's crate and supplies. Basements or inside rooms are preferred, depending on the situation.
• Have plenty of plastic bags and newspapers as well as containers and cleaning supplies to help deal with pet waste. Puppy training pads are also useful for this.
• Listen to the radio periodically and don't come out until you know it's safe.

If your local government orders an evacuation, follow these tips:

• Learn your official evacuation routes from your local authorities and media.
• Don't wait until the last minute to evacuate, especially if you have horses or other large animals or if you have several pets.
• Be ready to take your family, your pets, and your family and pet emergency kits with you.
• Know in advance where you will go.
• Make sure your pets will be welcome, whether at a motel or a friend or relative's house.

For specific information about disaster preparedness for animals, as well as for news of our disaster response program, visit www.hsus.org/disaster, e-mail disaster@hsus.org, or write for our disaster preparedness brochures.

The HSUS is the nation's largest animal protection organization with over seven million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research, and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. For nearly 50 years, The HSUS has worked to protect all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and field work. The non-profit organization is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country. For more information, visit The HSUS' Web site – www.hsus.org.

For more information, or to contact The Humane Society of the United States, see their website at: www.hsus.org