Hurricane Emergency Prep

Even though there's only a 5% chance we'll see hurricane force winds from Tropical Storm Earl, lots of people are talking emergency preparedness. Make sure you have a Hurricane Preparedness Plan that includes your pets. Here’s some tips that will help you should Earl prove to be a bit more nasty for us than expected.

LCD Hurricane Preparedness Guide for Pet Owners

IN PREPARATION

Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations.Pet friendly shelters require proof of vaccines.

Have a current photograph.

Keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet.

Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal. Pet friendly shelters require them. Practice putting it together quickly.

Plan your evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet!

Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if “no pet” policies would be waived in an emergency.

Make a list of animal-friendly places and keep it handy.

Call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home.

Check with friends, relatives, or others outside your immediate area to see if they would shelter you and your animals or just your animals, if necessary.

Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour telephone numbers.

Ask your local animal shelter if it provides foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. This should be your last resort, as shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency.

DURING THE DISASTER

If you are able, leave early. Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order. An unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to leave safely with your pets. If you wait to be evacuated by emergency officials, you may be told to leave your pets behind.

Animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have:

proper identification collar and rabies tagproper identification on all belongings

a carrier or cage

a leash

a muzzle for dog aggressive dogs

an ample supply of food, water (1 gallon for every 10lbs.) food bowls, any medications

specific care instructions and news papers or trash bags for clean-up

Bring pets indoors well in advance of a storm – reassure them and remain calm.

Pet shelters will be filled on first come, first served basis.

Call ahead and determine availability.

AFTER THE DISASTER

Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home – often familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost.

Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water and debris can all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.

If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered.

Bring along a picture of your pet if possible. After a disaster animals can become aggressive or defensive – monitor their behavior.

SHELTER AND HOTEL INFO:

The North Charleston Coliseum will provide shelter only for those people who can not otherwise evacuate with their pets. Entry is limited to one person per pet.

The following hotel chains are pet friendly and there are several just a few hours away from Charleston that would serve as a refuge from the storm.

Best Western: 800-528-1234

Clarion: 800-252-7466

Comfort Inn: 800-228-5150

Days Inn: 800-329-7466

Econo Lodge: 800-553-2666

Holiday Inn: 800-465-4329

Quality Inn: 800-228-5151

Ramada Inn: 800-228-2828

Residence Inn: 800-331-3131

Also check out www.vrbo.com, a search engine for vacation and short term rentals across the US. You can search specifically for pet friendly homes, townhouses and villas to rent.