As Tropical Storm Gustav makes its way to the Gulf of Mexico, The Humane Society of the United States is urging residents who may be in the path of the storm to gather supplies and review their animal evacuation plans.
"As Gulf Coast residents mark the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, they are once again under the threat of a potentially very serious hurricane," said Scotlund Haisley, senior director of Emergency Services for The HSUS. "I urge residents to prepare now for the possibility of evacuation orders by preparing a pet disaster kit and making plans to evacuate with your animals. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pet."
Louisiana authorities are developing plans to open evacuation shelters to house pets should the forecast warrant. The HSUS urges residents to check the websites for the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (ldaf.state.la.us) and the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (lsart.org) for updated information. Availability at these shelters will be limited and residents are strongly urged to be self sufficient in caring for their families, including their animals.
The HSUS is also monitoring the path of Tropical Storm Gustav. Its Animal Rescue Team includes personnel and equipment that can be deployed if the impact of the storm surpasses the capability of local animal agencies and resources.
The failure to plan for your pets' safety can lead to tragedy. During Hurricane Katrina residents were forced to abandon dogs, cats and other animals by the tens of thousands. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to ensure that your pets will not be left in a dangerous situation.
A pet disaster kit should include:
• A three-day supply of food and drinking water, as well as bowls, cat litter and a container to be used as a litter box.
• Current photos and descriptions of pets.
• Up-to-date identification, including an additional tag with the phone number of someone out of the area in the event the pet becomes lost.
• Medications, medical records and a first aid kit stored in a waterproof container.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely as well as blankets or towels for bedding and warmth. Carriers should be large enough to comfortably house your pet for several hours or even days.
For more information about disaster preparedness, visit humanesociety.org/disaster.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.
