As we were reminded during the observance of the 100th anniversary of the great San Francisco earthquake, geological experts warn us of a 60 percent chance that a 6.7 magnitude or greater earthquake will strike the Bay Area in the next 26 years. Add to this last year’s devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, and even our recent floods, and we’re left with a stark reminder that natural disasters can strike anytime, anywhere.
That is why it’s important to be prepared. Here are some ways to ensure that you and your pets are protected in the event of disaster.
Support the PETS Act
According to a recent poll conducted by the Marin Humane Society, out of nearly 900 respondents, 90 percent said that they would not evacuate without their pets in the event of a disaster. “We consider our pets to be part of the family,” says MHS animal services director Cindy Machado. “As we saw during Hurricane Katrina, without a disaster plan in place, we risk both people’s safety and the safety of their pets.”
Captain Machado witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. Last September, she led a disaster relief team on a 10-day mission in the Gulf region to assist with the largest pet rescue operation in history. Says Machado, “Hurricane Katrina demonstrated that, as we prepare for future disasters, it is vital to incorporate companion animals into our disaster plans.”
Pending federal legislation will hopefully do just that. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation (PETS) Act, sponsored by Representative Tom Lantos (D-CA), would require local and state authorities to include in their disaster plans how they will accommodate companion animals in the event of a disaster. In order to qualify for aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, authorities must submit these plans. The PETS Act is currently in subcommittee. Visit our Web site for information on how you can support this lifesaving bill.
Make your own pet disaster plan
Now is the time to ensure that your pet is wearing proper identification. Consider having a microchip implanted in your pet; this ID cannot be lost or removed. Make sure your pet is comfortable getting into a crate on your command. Also, prepare a disaster kit that includes, among other items, a carrier, leashes, food and water, medications, a pet first-aid kit, and emergency phone numbers.
Prepare a list of pet-friendly accommodations, including friends and family, in case of an evacuation. It is not recommended that you leave your pet behind when evacuating. Note that in the event of a disaster, the Marin Humane Society will be working alongside city and county governments to provide boarding for animals impacted by the disaster.
What we’re doing
MHS is proud to have a model pet disaster plan in place. In January, we hosted dozens of representatives from Bay Area shelters for a disaster response forum. Together, we reflected on our involvement in the Hurricane Katrina animal rescue and brainstormed on how we can best work together to prepare for future disasters in the region. MHS has also organized its own disaster response team to facilitate disaster response on our campus during an emergency. All team members are receiving appropriate training to enable them to handle a wide variety of disaster scenarios.
For more information on the PETS Act and creating a pet disaster plan, please visit www.marinhumanesociety.org.
Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal
