Diaster Preparedness 101 – For Dog Owners

226 – August, 2013 (click for full digital article)

By William Given

The children are doing their homework and you have dinner on the stove when the storm sirens sound the alarm. Are you ready? It is three o’clock in the morning when the phone rings. It is a reverse 911 call and the caller informs you that a wildfire is being blown in the direction of your home and you have to evacuate. Are you ready?

There are different types of disasters that would serve to threaten your safety and that of your dogs. Man-made disasters include things like train derailments resulting in chemical spills, chemical or nuclear power plant accidents, or terrorist bombings. The recent flooding in Texas, wildfires in Colorado, and tornados in Oklahoma along with earthquakes and hurricanes are examples of natural disasters.

Some counties have always been more thorough than others when it comes to disaster preparedness and emergency response. But it was in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 that the federal government and many state governments realized their need to include companion animals and domestic livestock in emergency management and disaster response planning. When residents were informed that their pets would not be transported to safety with them, untold numbers of people refused evacuation assistance and risked their lives to remain and care for their beloved canine companions.

The issuance of mandatory evacuation orders in the hours preceding Hurricane Katrina’s rampage resulted in the abandonment of an estimated 50,000 animals. There are no records on the number of animals that died as a result of the massive storm but it is known to have been in the thousands. Rescue organizations and municipal animal shelters throughout the south took in many thousands of dogs. In the months following Hurricane Katrina more than 10,000 dogs found loving families in adoptive homes all across the United States. It was unquestionably the largest animal rescue operation our country has ever seen.

With some disasters, like hurricanes, there is normally a good measure of advanced warning. That is not the case for all disasters requiring an emergency response. Let us take the tornado that devastated Moore, Oklahoma as an example. Roughly 17 minutes elapsed from the time the civil defense sirens sounded to the time the tornado touched down. The minutes saved may determine human’s and animal’s survival.

Our show dogs are our cherished companions and the beloved playmates of our children. They are an important part of our daily lives and many of us consider them members of the family. It is our responsibility to keep them safe especially during emergencies and natural disasters. In the event of a disaster, you may need to survive on your own and take care of your dogs for at least three days.

Carefully assess your risks by considering what types of disasters are most likely to occur in your geographical area. Consider floods, tornados, hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and severe winter weather, and don’t forget about chemical or oil spills, nuclear power and chemical plant accidents. Consider the possibility of extended power outages, terrorist attacks, and disease outbreaks. Regardless of the type of disaster, the effects on public utilities and the demands placed on emergency services are very similar.

You face the very real possibility of having to evacuate your family and your dogs so you must plan for it. If you are going to a public shelter, it is important that you understand that animals may not be allowed inside. Plan for shelter alternatives that will work for your family and your dogs. Consult your county’s law enforcement or agricultural extension office for recommendations. They can help you identify several locations where your dogs and any other companion animals can be taken, different routes to the locations, and the entry requirements for each site. The facilities most commonly used as evacuation centers for companion animals and domestic livestock during disasters are state and county fairgrounds, community farms, private stables, private farms and ranches, race tracks and some humane societies. You should have arrangements made with facilities in advance and be sure to contact them before leaving your home.

All of your dogs should be readily identifiable by microchip or tattoo. Tattooing is a relatively painful and somewhat unsettling process for dogs but it is a permanent method of identification. Tattoos are easily noticeable but not very effective in helping recover lost dogs because there is no standard numbering system used and no searchable database.

Having your dog microchipped is the most reliable method of permanently identifying your dogs. Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are injected subcutaneously right above the shoulder blades. Microchips emit a unique identification number linked to the manufacturer and the owners’ registration information is stored in their database. Dogs that have been microchipped have a significantly increased likelihood of being reunited with their owners. Approximately fifty percent of lost dogs that have been microchipped are reunited with owners. It is especially important to remember that having your dogs microchipped is useless unless the chips are registered with the chip manufacturer. Should you move or change telephone numbers, it is important to update your contact information so that if your dogs are found they can be traced back to you.

Prepare an identification packet for each dog. Include in this ID packet copies of registration papers, adoption papers, bills of sale or proofs of purchase, microchip numbers or other identification information. Also, include recent photographs of you and your dogs. The photographs of your dogs should give a front, rear and side view. Write the breed, age, sex and color on the back. These documents will attest to your ownership and support your legal claim to your dogs should you and any of your canine companions become separated due to the disaster.

Be sure your dogs’ vaccinations are up to date. Ensure health records are current and that you have a legible copy in your possession. Write down any special feeding instructions. Make a list of medications with proper dosages and include the name, address and telephone number of the veterinarian prescribing the drugs. Any records left at your home may be damaged or lost during a disaster so make sure you keep them in your bug-out bag. Provide a copy of these important papers to a good friend or relative residing out of the area.

Have food, treats and plenty of water on hand for your dogs, enough to keep them fed and watered for at least 72 hours. A two week supply is better. Your kibble should be rotated periodically for freshness. Keep vehicles and trailers well-maintained, full of fuel and ready to move out at all times. Keep your dogs used to being in and around crates and exercise pens as it makes for quicker loading in emergencies.

If you take the time now to prepare a disaster survival for your dogs, you will be more prepared for any disaster situation. If you have one, two, or even three dogs you should be able to use a Rubbermaid 18 gallon storage container. If your pack consists of four or more dogs, I would recommend using a 30 gallon trash container with a lid. Include in your kit things like:

• Portable radio and extra batteries

• Water and food bowls

• Fire-resistant leashes, collars or harnesses

• Clean bedding

• Medications

• Flashlight and batteries

• Sharp knife and wire cutters

• Grooming supplies

• Muck bucket and pooper scooper

• Paper towels and trash bags

• A bleach solution or commercial disinfectant

• First aid items such as: antibiotic ointment, betadine, eye ointment, ichthammol ointment, rolled guaze, bandages and scissors. Your canine first aid should be tailored to your breed and the number of dogs you own.

Conditions in disaster situations may prevent you from being able to save and evacuate all of your dogs. You should consider making a priority list of the stud dogs, brood bitches and puppies that will be saved first, if all cannot be saved. The entire family should be familiar with the list in the event you are not present when the disaster occurs.

Make a plan for your absence. Disasters can strike at any time and more often than not when you least expect, including when you are not at home. Pet stickers on your front door or window showing the type and number of pets in your home are one way to prepare for an emergency while you are away. The stickers will let emergency response personnel know what and how many animals to look for.

Use the buddy system. Discuss disaster preparedness with nearby relatives, friends or neighbors and agree to check on each other after a disaster. Let your buddy know if you are sheltering in place or if you are evacuating and where you plan to go. There are advantages to using the buddy system. If sheltering in place, buddies can share resources such as water, stored food, generators, etc.

Periodically review your insurance needs and keep your coverage current. Ensure you have all the coverage on your property and animals you might need and that claims will be paid for the types of disasters you may experience. Consider establishing security measures for your home and property to protect your assets from looters and those who would attempt to exploit the disaster.

When a disaster strikes, try to remain calm. You have a plan, follow it. In the event that a mandatory evacuation is ordered, it is vital to leave as early as possible in order to avoid becoming stalled in traffic and creating an undue hardship on you, your family, and your dogs.

Listen to the Emergency Broadcasting System (EBS) on your portable radio for information on the conditions in your area. If you evacuated with your family and your dogs, do not attempt to return home too soon. An all clear broadcast will be made and instructions for safely returning to your home will be issued.

Notify friends and family that you are okay and whether you stayed or evacuated. Use your telephone, a CB radio, or the internet.

Inspect your property carefully before letting your dogs out. Check your runs and enclosures for sharp objects such as glass, nails or pieces of metal that could cause injury to their paws and pasterns. The familiar scents and landmarks known to your dogs may be altered by the disaster and your dogs can be confused by the changes.

If you have lost any dogs during the disaster, contact local authorities. Contact local veterinarians, surrounding farms, equestrian centers, private stables, humane societies, and other facilities that might be used to temporarily house companion animals. Listen to the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) for information about the organizations that have been accepting lost animals. Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when claiming lost dogs.

If you find someone else’s dog after the disaster, isolate it from your dogs until it can be returned or until it can be examined by a veterinarian. Use caution when approaching and handling unknown or frightened animals. Watch for aggressive or fearful behavior. A dog’s body language will more often than not let you know he is prepared to bite. Work quickly, quietly and in pairs where possible.

Check with your veterinarian, State Veterinarian’s office or State Department of Agriculture for information on any canine disease threats that may exit as a result of the disaster. You will want to prevent the introduction or spread of disease causing agents to your dogs.

We may not be able to prevent a disaster from occurring, but we can minimize the impact. A little planning can help reduce injuries, loss and suffering. We owe it to our dogs to give them the best chance of survival.

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Posted by subschron on Aug 31 2013. Filed under Current Articles, Health & Training, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.