Orange, green, yellow security levels; category 1, 2, 3 hurricanes; tropical depressions and tropical storms – they all blend together after a while and for many mean nothing more than expecting longer lines shopping or traveling from the airport. It
Orange, green, yellow security levels; category 1, 2, 3 hurricanes; tropical depressions and tropical storms – they all blend together after a while and for many mean nothing more than expecting longer lines shopping or traveling from the airport.
It feels sometimes like a game of crying wolf, but we all must stay prepared, especially during hurricane season.
Kauai residents know this best after experiencing the worst of storms now over ten years ago but with devastating damages still visible today.
We struggled to recover and learned how to prepare better.
Hurricane Charlie’s recent havoc in Florida brings frightening memories but reminds us of what we need to do. Are you prepared? Are your pets? Fortunately, we were able to create a pet friendly evacuation shelter at Kauai Humane Society since Hurricane ‘Iniki. But don’t let this give you a false sense of security. You still need to make preparations for each pet in your household so they can be safely housed at the shelter in the event of an island disaster.
Here’s what you need to do for each pet: º Provide a plastic airline approved crate or cage for each animal big enough for them to live in — lie down, turn around, etc. with a food, water and litter pan. It is not recommended to crate even familiar animals together during an emergency due to stress. Please, purchase and store enough crates for each pet.
º Make sure each pet is wearing identification or has been microchipped with current owner information.
º Maintain current vaccinations for each pet and keep a copy of their health record in your disaster kit with a picture of each pet.
º Always stock at least a two week supply of food, litter, treats, etc. Don’t wait until the last minute to run to the store — stay ahead of the game during hurricane season.
º Include a manual can opener and spoon for canned food.
º Keep extra supply of litter, a litter pan, and litter scoop, º Maintain a stock of newspapers, non-spill food and water dishes, doggie poop bags, trash bags, cleaning solution and paper towels.
º If your pet requires special medications, make sure to always have at least a two week supply during the season.
Again, if a disaster strikes you won’t have time to fill a prescription and neither will your veterinarian or pharmacy.
º All dogs require a collar or harness and a leash.
º For our large animal friends who aren’t permitted in the shelter, always maintain at least a week supply of feed (hay, grain, and supplements) during the season. Create a disaster leather halter with your name and address written on it or have your horse microchipped by your veterinarian.
Keep some used 55 gallon plastic drums around to fill with water for a temporary supply during a storm.
Don’t wait — get prepared.
If you would like a disaster preparation guide for animals, stop by the Kauai Humane Society just west of Puhi or call 632-0610 and we will mail you one.
Dr. Becky Rhoadesis the Executive Director of the Kauai Humane Society. Reach the society by mail at P.O. Box 3330, Lihue, HI 96766, by phone at 632-0610 or by fax at 632-0727.
