EMERGENCY TIPS FOR ANIMAL OWNERS FROM THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES

WASHINGTON (December 28, 2005) - With fires raging in parts of Oklahoma and Texas, The Humane Society of the United States offers animal owners tips for dealing with a possible emergency situation.

"Many fire problems in our rural areas can be mitigated, thereby saving animal and human life,  if we all take a few simple steps ahead of time to help prepare and make our land fire-safe," said Lou Guyton, director of the Southeast regional office of The Humane Society of the United States.

Pets

• If the fires force an evacuation, never leave your pets behind. Leave early with your animals and a supply of food and drinking water, pet medications, medical records, and other pet supplies. Pets should wear up-to-date identification, including a tag with a phone number of someone out of the area in case of separation.
• Call in advance to find a shelter that will accept pets. "No Pet" restrictions at hotels and motels may be lifted in an emergency. Check with friends and family members who live outside your area to see if they can shelter you and/or your pets if needed. 

Horses

• If you have horses, know where you can take your animals. Friend or other horse owners may be able to help. Make sure your horses' Coggins tests, veterinary papers, and identification photographs are easily accessible.
• Keep halters ready for your horses. Have a basic first aid kit, along with a supply of water, hay, feed, and medications.

Livestock

• Preparedness is particularly important for livestock because of the animals' size and their shelter and transportation needs. Always evacuate animals as soon as possible. Be ready to leave once the evacuation is ordered.
• Set up safe transportation, and take all your disaster supplies with you or make sure they will be available at your evacuation site. In addition, if your animals are sheltered off your property, make sure they remain in the groupings they are used to.
• If evacuation is not possible, a decision must be made whether to confine large animals to an available shelter on your farm or leave them out in pastures. Owners may believe that their animals are safer inside barns, but in many circumstances, confinement takes away the animals' abilities to protect themselves. This decision should be based on the type of disaster and the soundness and location of the sheltering building. Visit www.hsus.org/disaster for more information.

Click on the buttons on the left for information on disaster preparedness for pets, horses and barns and livestock or visit www.hsus.org/disaster.