Hurricane winds do much damage, but drowning is the greatest cause of hurricane deaths. As the storm approaches and moves across the coastline, it brings huge waves and storm tides which may reach 25 feet or more above normal. The rise may come rapidly, flooding coastal lowlands. Waves and currents erode beaches and barrier islands, undermine waterfromt structures, and wash out highway and railroad beds. The torrential rains that accompany the hurricane produce sudden flooding as the storm moves inland. As its winds diminish, rainfall floods constiutute the hurricane's greatest threat.
Suggestions
~Put the sky kennel together as a trial then store and transport it disassembled.
~Use a towel to partially cover the sky kennel during the height of the storm for added security.
~Allow the pet to become familiar with the sky kennel at home and before a disaster.
~Grocery store plastic bags make excellent pooper-scoopers.
~Avoid excess bedding, as it may become soiled and difficult to clean during a disaster.
~A chain and stake may be useful to secure a dog if the family must use a temporary shelter.
~Dry pet food is much easier to transport and use than canned food during a disaster.
~Make arrangements now to stay with friends or relatives in the event of an evacuation.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
~SKY KENNEL/CRATE
~LEASH, COLLAR, ID TAG, HARNESS
~HEALTH RECORDS (RABIES
CERTIFICATE)
~PHOTO OF PET
~NEWSPAPER (DOG);
LITTER BOX/LITTER (CAT)
~3 BATH TOWELS
~GARBAGE BAGS
~WATER (DOG: 1GAL/10LBS);
(CAT: 1/2 GAL)
~DRY FOOD (1-2 LBS OF FOOD/10LBS)
~MEDICATIONS
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency Veterinary Clinic 744-3372
Charleston County Emergency
Preparedness Department 740-6400
Animal Control Agencies:
City of Charleston 720-3915
Charleston County 554-4700
Dorchester County 832-0015
Berkeley County 523-7603
N. Charleston 554-5700
Mt. Pleasant 884-4176
Isle of Palms 886-6522
Hannahan 747-5711
Goose Creek 572-4300
Folly Beach 588-2433
Evacuate out of the area of the storm! Visit friends or relatives who will let your pets come with you. Create a list of boarding kennels within a 100 mile radius of your home. If you don't have friends or relatives to evacuate to, call these pet friendly hotels and make a reservation
Pet Friendly Hotels
Best Western Inns 1-800-528-1234
Clarion Hotels 1-800-252-7466
Comfort Inns 1-800-228-5150
Days Inn 1-800-329-7466
Econo Lodge 1-800-553-2666
Holiday Inn 1-800-465-4329
Howard Johnson 1-800-465-4329
La Quinta Inn 1-800-531-5900
Masters Econo Inns 1-800-633-3434
Motel 6 1-800-466-8356
Quality Inn 1-800-228-5151
Ramada Inn 1-800-228-2828
Red Roof Inn 1-800-843-7663
Residence Inn 1-800-331-3131
Roadway Inn 1-800-228-2000
Sleep Hotels 1-800-753-3746
Super 8 Motels 1-800-800-8000
For additional listings look at jaspa.com
A Charleston Emergency/Disaster animal shelter,
for people and their pets, will be located at the
North Charleston Coliseum. The disaster shelter
should be considered as a last resort. Owners will be required to bring supplies for themselves and their pets. (See Equipment Checklist)
Call 747-4849 for up to date info.
The key to safety in a disaster is a disaster plan.
Make sure your pets are part of that plan
Handle an injured animal with care. A cat should be held by the nape of the neck and a dog should wear a muzzle (a leash wrapped around the nose).
Always consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Problem Response
Wounds, cuts............Apply pressure to control severe bleeding using hands or a clean cloth. Gently wash the wound with large amounts of water. Apply a clean bandage if possible.
Heat Stroke.............Look for excessive panting and bright red gums. Get the animal into a shady area and apply cool water or wet towels.
Fractures..................See wounds. A fractured limb can be temporarily stabilized with a piece of wood, metal or plastic and cloth strips wrapped gently around the limb.
Vomiting/Diarrhea.....Withhold food for 12 hours and offer small amounts of food for the next 12 hours.
Severe Skin Irritation..Rinse the area if a toxin is suspected. Apply cortisone antibiotic ointment by gently "blotting" (do not rub) several times daily.
First Aid Necessities
Gauze pads/gauze roll, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, sissors, antibiotic/cortisone ointment, instant cold pack, bandages, latex disposable gloves
Aspirin-do NOT use in cats. Dogs can be given 1/2 to 1 aspirin twice daily for pain.
Store these items in a water tight container along with all medical records for your pets.
Disaster Preparedness Guide For Pets
John Ancrum SPCA