Keep Your Dog Safe During Hurricane Sandy

Picture by Doxieone on Flickr.

Are you ready for Hurricane Sandy aka Frankenstorm? While the media loves to hype up the weather, this time it looks like we’re really in for some crazy weather. Before the storm hits, take some time to develop  an emergency evacuation plan to keep your family and pets safe.

We just received a press release from the ASPCA with tips to help keep your dog safe during Hurricane Sandy. They are reminding pet owners that all evacuation shelters are pet friendly. Several evacuation shelters have already opened their doors and pet owners should check the Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder to locate the nearest evacuation zone and  proper facility. The public can also obtain this information by calling 311.

“The best thing you can do for you and your pet is to plan ahead before Hurricane Sandy makes landfall,” said Dr. Dick Green, director of Disaster Response for the ASPCA. “Don’t wait until the last minute to see if the storm will affect your neighborhood. Act now, find your nearest evacuation shelter, and tune in to your local news to monitor the storm’s condition. And remember, all of the City’s evacuation shelters for humans are pet friendly, so please take your pets with you if you need to evacuate.”

The Animal Planning Task Force offers the following tips on disaster preparedness:

• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.
• Make sure all pets wear collars and ID tags with up-to-date identification. Micro-chip your pet as a more permanent form of identification.
• Keep a pet emergency kit and supplies handy with items such as medical records, water, pet food and medications, and pet first aid supplies. Take this with you if you evacuate.
• Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind.
• Choose a designated caregiver who can take care of your pet in the event you are unable.

Low-lying areas of the city that are most at risk for flooding and other damage and are designated as “Zone A” low-lying areas in the Coastal Storm Plan include: Coney Island and Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn; Far Rockaway and Broad Channel in Queens; South Beach; Midland Beach; low-lying areas on Staten Island; and Battery Park City in Manhattan. For details and updates, please visit the OEM’s website or call 311 to find an evacuation center.

Also visit the ASPCA  for more information on disaster preparedness and safety tips. as well as updates on the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the animals in New York City.