Wellness Wednesday: Have a Hurricane Plan?

Hurricane Ivan, 2004

Here in Florida, we got a very early reminder that it's hurricane season.  Not quite two weeks in and we've been through the first tropical storm of the season.  This is the time of year when everyone is supposed to get hurricane supplies together and have a plan.  For pet owners, that plan involves a little more...  Over the next few weeks we're going to cover severe weather safety for pet owners.  There are plenty of things to take into consideration when making your plan and we'll try to cover as many as possible here...

KNOW YOUR EVACUATION AND FLOOD ZONE

Knowing which zone you live in can really help with planning.  If your front yard floods every time there's a bad thunderstorm, it probably isn't safe to stay for a tropical storm or a hurricane.  Check with local emergency management websites if you are unsure about your evacuation zone.  These sights can also help you prepare for any emergencies that might occur during or after a storm.

SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO?

Knowing your evacuation zone can help you make this decision.  Your decision to evacuate may be dependent on how strong the storm is as well.  Will you be able to keep yourself and your pets safe if you stay home?  Will you evacuate to a shelter or make other arrangements?  If you do decide that evacuation is the best plan, make sure you have supplies ready and leave early.  It's no fun to have anxious pets in a car during a stressful situation and leaving early can help ensure that you make it to your evacuation destination safe and sound.

REGISTER FOR A PET SHELTER

Many counties now have pet-friendly shelters but most require you to register well before a storm and space is always very limited.  Pinellas County has three, Hillsborough County has two, Pasco has one, Polk County has three and Hernando County has one.  Priority is given based on evacuation zones and to those living in mobile homes.  Almost all require pet owners to provide proof of immunization when you register.  Contact your local emergency management to see if a pet-friendly shelter is available in your county.

Always follow directions from emergency personnel.  Having a plan helps to keep you and your pets stay safe during an emergency.  If it isn't safe for you to stay, it isn't safe for your pets either!  Never leave your pets behind!