INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Spring is finally in the air, and the weather is getting colder.
The Indiana Animal Health Commission is warning Hoosier pet owners about the inevitable severe weather that comes with spring. Here are some tips from BOAH that can keep your entire family, including your furry friends, safe in the face of a tornado or power outage.
- Create a “go kit”. Gather everything your pet will need for a 3-5 day trip away from home in one place. This includes a crate/carrier, water and food bowls, bottled water and food, leash, treats, toys, medications, copies of vaccination records, and (for cats) litter and disposable litter trays. . Include items that will keep your pet comfortable. Keep everything in one place and have it ready when you need to leave the house.
- Make an evacuation plan. Plan three to five places for your pet to stay in case you need to leave home in a hurry. This could be a kennel, a veterinary clinic that offers boarding services, the home of a friend or family member, or (for those who want to stay with their pet) a pet-friendly hotel. Save all contact information, such as address and phone number, on your Go Kit or on your phone. Identify a location 5 to 20 miles from your home in case the affected area is widespread. Planning ahead where you are going will reduce stress in an emergency situation.
- Make a shelter-in-place plan. Depending on the situation, staying home (or “sheltering in place”) may be the best option for your pet. If you must spend time with your animal, secure it indoors, such as a bathroom, barn, or garage, preferably in an area without windows. The small space protects your pet from injury caused by debris and weather conditions. If possible, make the crate or cage more secure to provide a quiet environment when your pet is likely to freak out under stress. Bathrooms are ideal because they are often small, have running water, and have pet-friendly flooring.
- Disaster planning for animals doesn't have to be complicated or difficult to prepare.
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