Be Prepared for Hurricane Season

Now that we are into Hurricane Season and have experienced our first tropical storm of the year, it’s a good time for a reminder of  the many steps we can take to prepare our pets and farm animals for the season.  County and State Emergency Services, American Red Cross, and County Animal Response Teams across the state are is committed to helping residents with these preparations.

Please make sure your animals have been vaccinated for the most common disease concerns of this area.  Having vaccinations will not only be helpful if the were to need sheltering, but also if they were to get loose during or after a storm. Your veterinarian should be your first source for advice as to what is needed, but here is a list of what he or she may include for your horse as well as your pets: 

Dogs:     Distemper/Parvovirus combination, kennel cough, rabies, and

               heartworm prevention.

Cats:      Distemper/Upper Respiratory Viral Combination, rabies,

               Leukemia

Horses:  Influenza, Rhinopneumonitis, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis, tetanus, rabies, strangles, West Nile Virus, and a current (yearly) negative Coggins Test for Equine Infectious Anemia

In addition to having your animal vaccinated, here is a checklist of other items to consider and prepare for in your disaster plan:

1.     Keep a collar and tag on animals that should normally wear collars. Have a halter with your horse’s name on it and your phone number. Small tags similar to those for pets can be used.

2.     Identify several possible locations where you can take your animals, should you have to evacuate.

3.     Start a buddy system with someone in your neighborhood, so they will check on your animals during a disaster, in the event you aren’t home.

4.     In addition to your regular supply of animal food have at least a week’s supply on hand to be used during a disaster.

5.     You should have at least a week’s supply of water in storage at all times for your animals.

6.     Take several pictures of the animals and keep these pictures with your important insurance papers that you would take if you needed to evacuate.

7.     Talk to your vet before a disaster strikes to see if he/she has a disaster plan.

8.     Know where the animal shelters or animal rescue organizations are in your area.

Written by Eileen A. Coite