Prepare for pets' safety in emergencies

STAFFORD — In any emergency, it’s important to remember our furry friends and take precautions to keep them safe.
Take your pets with you if evacuating, according to The Humane Society of the United States.
"It is crucial that residents are prepared to take pets with them if asked to evacuate in the face of this potentially destructive storm," advised Laura Bevan, The HSUS' Eastern regional director. "If it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets."
To keep your pets safe during the evacuation, secure them with a collar/harness and leash, or in a pet carrier, to safely transport them. For everyone’s safety, you may also wish to bring a muzzle if your pet doesn’t react well in stressful situations.
An emergency pet shelter might be available near a human emergency shelter — check with your local emergency management agency to find the nearest emergency pet shelter to you.
If you have not been ordered to evacuate, make sure you have enough pet food and water on hand to feed your pets during an emergency.
Whether you are evacuating or riding it out at home, be prepared for your pet as well as your family. You'll need:
· Three-or-more-day supply of food in airtight, waterproof container, and drinking water.
· Bowls for food and water.
· Current photos and physical description of your pets, including details on markings.
· Medications, vaccination records and pet first aid supplies.
· Comfort items such as a toy and blanket.
· Small garbage bags.
· For dogs include: leash, harness and a sturdy carrier large enough to use as a sleeping area.
· For cats include: litter and litter box and a sturdy carrier large enough for transport.
* Remember — Microchipped pets are more easily found if lost.

Pet owners should be prepared to provide the following information to pet shelter workers if possible: name; species and breed; sex; color; distinctive markings; age; microchip identification number; vaccination records; health conditions and required medication, according to the HSUS.

More useful items to bring to a shelter are:

a clear and current photo of you with your pet
an extra collar, leash, and/or harness that fits
favorite toys
any medications and special diets for their pets
information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets
a pet carrier/kennel large enough for your pet to sleep in comfortably

According to the The U.S. Department of Agriculture, the following tips are encouraged to be followed for livestock safety:

Make sure barns and structures where livestock can be sheltered are in good repair. If more space is needed for your stock, make arrangements for the use of other sheltering facilities in close proximity to your facilities.

Calculate the feed and water requirements to maintain livestock and poultry during an emergency.

Make preparations for protecting feed and water supplies and providing emergency electrical power if necessary.

If possible, cover feed and forage stored outdoors with a tarp or plastic sheeting. Routinely cover open water supplies, such as troughs and stock tanks.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

To Report Emergencies, 9-1-1 (voice or TTY)
staffed at all times.
For Non-emergencies
Fire, 540-658-4440 (voice and TTY)
Police, 540-658-4450
Virginia State Health Department 804-786-3561
Crisis Center 24-Hours, (703) 368-4141

For telephone counseling regarding fears and concerns.

Fredericksburg Regional Veterinary Emergency Center

1301 Central Park Boulevard
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
Phone : (540)372-3470

— Press release