May 7, 2010
By Nancy E. Hassel of LIPetPlace 

Did you know that FEMA has declared May 8 as National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day? 

With the current oil spill in the gulf coast, recent failed terrorist boom scare in NYC, it brings awareness to Long Island pet parents that they need to be prepared.  It is smart to have a plan for your family and your pets in case of a disaster or emergency situation.  If you have to leave in a hurry or are forced out, are you prepared for your pets to come with you?  

On Long Island most human disaster shelters don’t take pets, mainly in Nassau County – Suffolk does have shelters prepared to take you and your pet in case of an emergency (http://suffolkcountyny.gov/departments/firerescue.aspx).  But you still need to be prepared, regardless of what county you live in. Where would you take your pet if it happened to you? How would you get him there? Did you know that a pillow case could be used to transport your cat safely in an emergency though it is better to accustom your cat to a carrier.  Did you know if your pet is housed with other animals they must have their rabies paperwork? A rabies tag will not suffice since sometimes people transfer dog collars from one pet to another. If your pets take any medication, having the paperwork with you is important. Even better is a file of your pets medical history, special needs, food fed to the pet and any other pertinent information is vital if you have to house your pet somewhere you are not.  Always have extra leashes, collars and a first aid kit ready to go, in case you need to grab it and run. 

“Sheltering plans in disasters will accommodate only a fraction of the pet population in Nassau County so the most important thing an individual pet owner can do is to make plans for their own pets,” said Nancy Lynch President, of Pet Safe Coalition. For ten years Pet Safe Coalition http://www.petsafecoalition.org/ based in Locust Valley, NY, has been helping pet owners in disasters across Long Island. 

Lynch also stated, “Disasters are as tough on animals as on their owners. Pet owners who fail to include pets in their plans to evacuate or shelter-in-place are putting themselves, their pets and rescuers at risk.”  

Contact the Pet Safe Coalition, Inc. for more disaster tips then send us your plan and you could win a prize in this month’s Pet Safe Families contest while helping others plan. FEMA has declared May 8 National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day and hurricane season kicks off June. Now is the time to plan. Call 516-676-0808 or log onto www.petsafecoaliton.org. Check out Pet Safe Coalition on Facebook for weekly tips and updates.  Pet Safe Coalition, Inc., is a recognized “501 c (3)” non-profit organization.

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