Including Animals in Disaster Planning
Hurricane season 2008 produced a record number of consecutive storms—the fourth most active since 1944. Experts predict that the 2009 Atlantic hurricane season, which began June 1 and ends November 30, has only a 25% chance of being above normal in activity.
Scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration expect 9 to 14 named storms, with four to seven becoming hurricanes, of which three could become major hurricanes of Category three strength or higher. An average season sees 11 named storms, with six becoming hurricanes, including two major hurricanes.
One valuable lesson learned from past storms like Hurricane Katrina is the importance of including animals in disaster planning. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and other animal-associated organizations have assembled resources to help veterinarians and animal owners in the paths of hurricanes and tropical storms.
Companion Animals
AVMA
Hurricane Preparedness
Saving the Whole Family
NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Protecting your pets in a disaster
United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
American Red Cross
Pets and Disaster: Be Prepared
Pet Travel Center
Dr. Greg Lewbart's aquarium tips
Pet fish and dealing with a power outage
If you need to evacuate to a shelter with your pet
If you take pets to shelters (and some will allow it now), you need to have pet supplies, collar with id, up to date vet records, pet carrier, and leash. Also good to have is a picture of the pet. For id it is also recommended that people have the microchips put in their pets. If there are no shelters to take pets, people can look at www.petswelcome.com which lists local hotels that allow pets.
Equine
NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (866-506-6222)
Equine Disaster Response Alliance website
Horse owner's disaster preparation brochure
24 step disaster plan
NCSU Extension Horse Husbandry
Hurricane preparations for horse farms
Farm Animals
United States Department of Agriculture National Agriculture Library
Disaster Planning for Farm Animals
NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services