Dear Porky & Buddy,
I have been reading about Superstorm Sandy and how both people and their pets are doing. We don’t get hurricanes much up here in central New York, but we sure get a lot of other horrible weather. Do you have any advice about how we should be prepared for disasters.
John

Dear John,
Good question. We checked with our friends at the ASPCA, who are, of course, right in the thick of the rescue efforts from the storm.

Here is a summary of what they recommend for emergency preparedness but you can get a lot more detailed information from the ASPCA website.

First: get a rescue alert sticker. You can order one from the ASPCA, or find one in most pet stores. Your sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers, and that it includes 1) the types and number of pets in your household; 2) the name of your veterinarian; and 3) your veterinarian’s phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the stickers.

Have a plan for a safe haven for your pets in case you have to evacuate.

Do not leave your pets behind. If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets.

Remember that not all disaster shelters accept pets, so you need to know where you will bring your pets ahead of time: Are there boarding kennels and facilities, hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets, or friends and relatives outside your immediate area who might be willing to take in your pet? You need to know that in advance.

Keep an emergency kit and supplies handy for your pets. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is.

It should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your pack include:

Pet first-aid kit and guide book
3-7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food
Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
Litter or paper toweling
Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
Pet feeding dishes
Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash
Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires
Bottled water, at least 7 days’ worth for each person and pet
A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
Flashlight
Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)

You should keep all of this right next to the emergency kit that you have for your human family members.

You have one of those right?

In general, make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number, and any urgent medical needs.

Be sure to write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.

And always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.

Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.

We hope none of you ever have to use such a kit, but you sure will be glad you have one if you do need it.

The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.

Our office is located at 265 W. First St., Oswego, NY.

Phone (315) 207-1070.

Email: ochscontact@hotmail.com

Web site: www.oswegohumane.org

We do not operate a shelter.

We receive no government funds and no funds from any national organization and depend upon the generosity of individuals and businesses for operating support.

You can help by placing your online shopping through www.Igive.com and making your regular search engine www.goodsearch.com and naming the Oswego County Humane Society to receive donations.

Because people and pets are good for each other.