In the deadly aftermath of Hurricane Helene, American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, is sharing lifesaving disaster preparedness tips as Category 5 Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida.
“These catastrophic hurricanes are a reminder that disaster preparedness saves lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “Climate change means nowhere is immune to the threat of hurricanes, flooding, forest fires, or heat waves. No matter where you live, everyone should have an evacuation plan and emergency kit that includes your pets.”
Before the Storm
- Microchip pets or put a tag on their collar with your name, address, and cell phone number so they may be returned quickly in case you are separated from your pets. Be sure that any microchip information is up to date.
- Create a disaster plan that incorporates your pet. Decide which family member is responsible for your pet’s needs—who will grab the pet, emergency supplies, carrier, and more?
- Know a safe place where your pets can go if you need to evacuate or seek shelter. Evacuation destinations may include a friend or family member’s home, a pet-friendly hotel, or a local boarding facility or emergency shelter. Plan multiple routes to your safe destination.
- Develop a disaster-preparedness kit for your pet, including a first aid kit, leashes and harnesses, a pet carrying case, bowls, sanitation materials, medications, chew toys, your veterinarian’s contact information, an up-to-date photo of your pet, and at least a three-day supply of food and water (ideally, a 7-10 day supply).
- Bring outdoor animals inside with a carrier large enough for them to turn around and lie down comfortably.
- Have a crate or carrier ready to go at a moment’s notice. Practice loading cats and dogs into pet carriers ahead of a disaster.
- If your family must evacuate, take your pets with you.
DURING THE STORM, IF YOU CANNOT EVACUATE
- Choose a safe room for riding out the storm—ideally, an interior room without windows—and take your entire family there, including your pets.
- Stay with pets. Don’t leave pets outdoors or in vehicles.
- Keep your emergency kit with you.
- Know your pet’s hiding places. That’s where they may run, so make sure to keep them with you.
- Secure exits and cat doors so pets can’t escape into the storm.
- Do not tranquilize your pets. They’ll need their survival instincts, should the storm require that.
AFTER THE STORM
- Make sure the storm has fully passed before going outside. Assess damages before allowing children or animals out.
- Keep dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier, and children close at hand. Displaced objects, downed power lines, and fallen trees can disorient or injure pets, and sharp debris could harm them as well.
- Give pets time to become re-oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause a pet to become confused or lost. Familiar bedding will many times help alleviate some of the stress related to being displaced.
- Keep animals away from sitting water that may be contaminated.
- Uncertainty and change in the environment affect animals, too, presenting new stresses and dangers. Your pet’s behavior may change after a crisis, becoming more aggressive or self-protective. Be sensitive to these changes and keep more room between them, other animals, children, or strangers.
- Animals need reassurance, too. Comfort your pet with kind words and lots of pats or hugs. If possible, provide a safe and quiet environment, even if it is not their own home.
ABOUT AMERICAN HUMANE
American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for over 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit AmericanHumane.org, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram and subscribe to our channel on YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
