By Mary Nee
The devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Florence in the Carolinas is a grim reminder that coastal New England is ripe for a similar type of storm. As these weather events continue to grow in severity and frequency, if you don’t have a disaster plan in place, the time to develop one is now.
September is Disaster Preparedness Month in Massachusetts, and the Animal Rescue League of Boston wants to remind you that when creating a plan – do not forget to include your family pets!
Start with a sturdy and comfortable crate with bedding, disposable litter boxes with litter for cats, and then make your pet a go-bag (which should be easily accessible) with the following:
• Several days of food and water
• Portable food and water dishes
• Manual can opener and utensils
• Trash bags, wipes and other sanitary needs
• Pet first-aid kit
• Collar with ID tags
• Extra leashes
• Grooming supplies
• Medications and medical records in a waterproof bag
• Toys and treats
• Updated photo of your pet in case of separation
Everyone has a role in an emergency situation. Packing the car, gathering belongings, whatever it may be – someone needs to be responsible for gathering your pets and their supplies. What if you’re not home or able to get your pets? Establish a buddy system with friends, neighbors or relatives to ensure someone is there to care for, or evacuate your pets if necessary. Make sure they know where your pet’s emergency kit is and come up with a meeting place.
Decide on where you’re going in advance. A hotel in another area — is it pet-friendly? Likewise, do you have an emergency shelter near you, and if so, do they allow pets? In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Federal Government passed legislation requiring state and local emergency management agencies to include pets in evacuation plans – failure to do so would jeopardize FEMA funding and grants.
The City of Boston’s Emergency Management Department has established emergency shelters in every neighborhood in Boston – in Dorchester alone there are six. Each facility provides temporary shelter for residents and pets.
Emergencies can cause confusion, panic and ill-fated decisions. Preparedness is a great asset in these moments and is responsible pet ownership. Remember – when you go they go!
Mary Nee is the President of the Animal Rescue League of Boston and resides in Dorchester. Pet questions? Email ARL at press@arlboston.org.
