As the end of the Atlantic Hurricane Season for this year is steadily approaching, it’s a good time to review what we’ve learned. Each year brings a different range of storms and hurricanes, and each of them can offer their own unique problems to residents throughout Florida. With last year’s hurricane season, we saw a huge influx of hurricane preparation solutions such as impact shutters and other forms of hurricane protection Sarasota FL.
This year we’re looking inside the home, and as it’s been the talk of the town recently, it’s time to talk about looking after our pets during storms. We all know how scared they can get around storms, fireworks, and anything that causes loud noises, but other than comforting most people aren’t too sure what else to do. As a provider of all kinds of hurricane protection Sarasota FL and nearby, we thought we’d take this opportunity to compile the best tips into one place.
Here are the best tips for looking after your pets during hurricanes and storms.
Hurricane Preparation Requires Your Home has the Best Protection
First and foremost, even if you aren’t in any of the High Velocity Hurricane Zones, you should ensure your house is outfitted with the best possible hurricane protection. That can come in several different forms, although the most effective is a combination of both impact windows and hurricane shutters which can be fixed in place over doors and windows. If you do have impact windows and shutters, ensure they are still fully functional and aren’t outdated or damaged at all.
For more help with hurricane protection Sarasota FL, get in contact with us today.
Looking after Your Pets Is A Part of Hurricane Preparation
Cats and dogs have become more than just precious animals to us, they’ve become an integral part of the family for millions of households across America. In fact there are roughly 76 million dogs and 58 million cats in the United States alone, which combined is the equivalent of a third of our human population here. It’s no surprise then that people want the best for their kitties and puppies, especially here in sunny Florida.
There are a few bits and bobs which will make the whole experience a lot easier for you and your animals.
Animal Identification
As you may have to send your pets to a separate shelter at some point during a hurricane, you will need to ensure they are identifiable. Microchipping all of your pets is one of the best ways to identify your pet, although during a disaster those services may not be accessible. A basic tag on their collar with your name and cellphone number can help other people to quickly identify your pet. Be sure to update your information on the tag and in the microchip regularly with the most recent addresses and phone numbers.
Emergency Rations
As with stocking up on food, water, and medicine for yourself and your family, you should do the same for your pets. Try to have 2 to 3 weeks’ worth of food ready, and around a month of any medicine they require on hand. This is especially important for those animals that depend on prescription medicine, or those with food allergies which might limit what they can eat.
Suitable Equipment to Move them
Even the most loyal of pets can be broken by the stress of a storm, and all pets are prone to becoming over excited or wandering off when scared. Make sure you have a strong leash and harness for your pets, as well as a sturdy carrier which they can fit in comfortably. Dogs which like picking things up in their mouths may benefit from a muzzle, as there may be dangerous things strewn about. You will also need a way to keep cats and dogs separate if you have both, and ensure you have somewhere for them to go to the toilet, and the means to dispose of their toilet waste.
Know Where Pet-Friendly Shelters Are
It’s not uncommon for an evacuation order to go out, and for people and their pets to need to go to a pet shelter in Sarasota, ASAP. Regardless of whether a shelter is suitable for pets, emergency management officials will make the final decision in the days before the storm hits land. Keep up with the media to know which shelters are open and are pet friendly, you may want to find several to keep an eye on in advance. Also if you’re planning on staying in a hotel, be sure to contact them about their policies in advance.
