Preparing For Disaster: Is Your Dog Safe If Another Hurricane Katrina Hits Your Town? By Kelly Marshall At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Our pets depend on us for their safety and survival. As pet owners, we have the obligation to know what to do in case a disaster strikes, which can occur at a moment's notice. Whether they are natural disasters such as fires, storms and floods, or man-made disasters such as terrorist attacks, the best way to beat it and come out it safe is through proper planning.

Even before Hurricane Katrina hit, there were no laws that protected pets. Neither was there any service for animals that needed to be evacuated, rescued, and sheltered during a state of an emergency. When the deadly storm hit New Orleans, there is a reported estimate of 600,000 animals were left behind, deserted, and hundreds died from drowning, starvation, and illness.

The devastating affect of the hurricane has pushed the local and federal government to either change their policies or develop new ones to include the safety of these pets and service animals. A variety of agencies are also collaborating solutions with the government and local animal rescues that will help protect pets in times of emergencies.

Establishing a good plan of action will ensure the safety and survival of your family, your pets including yourself. So, the best time to think about the safety of your dog is prior to there being a disaster. In addition, practical planning and preparation is essential to keeping your dog safe and sound during time of disaster. The following are a few safety measures that you should remember:

1. You may have to ask a neighbor to help you with the evacuation, especially if you have more than one pet.

2. Donï¿½t plan at the last minuteï¿½if youï¿½re away from your house when disaster strikes, select someone you trust to go to your house as fast as they can to rescue your pets.

3. Make sure that you know exactly where you are taking your dog - during and even after disaster - until you can safely go back to your home.

4. Make sure that you remember to crate train your dog. In a disaster, you should be able to put your dog in the crate as fast as you can and without much difficulty.

5. Leave your home as soon as you receive notice of evacuationï¿½you should never wait until the last minute.

6. If the disaster does not strike, you should still evacuate until you know for sure that you and your dog is going to be safe.

7. You should always keep a disaster supply kit for your dog in a easy location to find within your home. You will also want to include the following items: food and water (three days supply for each pet), a first aid kit, crate, can opener, leashes and harnesses, and newspaper or potty pads.

8. Last but not least, make certain that your dog wears a proper ID tag with your current cell number securely fastened to his collar ï¿½this number should be to a number that you carry with you every day.

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