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Disaster Preparedness
Fayetteville Animal Protection Society, Inc. (FAPS) feels it is imperative to remind pet owners to be prepared in the event of a natural or human disaster that can strike at anytime.
Since animals depend on us for their safety and well being, it is important to include your family pet in your household disaster and evacuation plan. You never know when a disaster may strike; fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, or hazardous material spills can occur without notice. Are you prepared? Whether you choose to stay or evacuate, proper preparation for your family and your family pet can mean the difference between life and death for them.
With the recent passage of The Pet’s Act, communities are setting up pet friendly shelters to accommodate human evacuees and their pets in the event of a disaster. In previous years only service animals were permitted in shelters. Cumberland County Animal Control is working with the State Animal Response Team (SART) to create these temporary evacuation shelters in our area.
Local pet friendly hotels, can also serve as refuge for you and your family pet, should an emergency arise.
www.tripswithpets.com lists pet friendly lodging throughout the the US, as well as 9 Fayetteville hotels that are willing to accept 4-legged guests.
Each hotel has their own set of rules and policies, it is important to check with them ahead of time, to see if they can accommodate you and your pet in the event of an emergency.
Be Prepared
- Plan ahead for a safe refuge. Make a list of pet friendly hotels, shelters, or relatives where you can stay temporarily with your pet.
- If evacuation is not an option, keep your pet with you, on a leash or in a labeled carrier with identification. Be sure your pet is micro chipped and wearing a collar and tags with more than one telephone contact number.
- Never leave a dog tied, chained or outdoors free to roam during a disaster. Bring them indoors, it’s much safer for them and could be a matter of life or death. Falling limbs could hurt them.
- Have updated medical records, a recent photograph, and medications in a waterproof container for your pet on hand.
- Keep a leash or carrier for each family pet, a pet first aid kit, blankets, pet bed, toys, newspaper, kitty litter and a litter box, trash bags, and bleach readily packed.
- Have 3 -7 days of fresh pet food and bottled water readily available.
- Remember the aftermath of a disaster can be just as dangerous; keep your pet indoors until you know that it is safe for them to venture outdoors. Keep them leashed especially if you have relocated to a new area, they may not recognize new scents and may not be able to find their way back if they become lost.
FAPS offers free brochures on disaster preparedness from The Humane Society of the United States and The Department of Homeland Security. If you would like to receive any animal related materials please call the shelter at 910-864-2077 or 910-864-9040.
Dr.Kelli Ferris, DVM - FAPS Advisory Board Member Promotes Disaster Planning
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