Is Your Pet Prepared? May 10 is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

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NEW YORK, May 6, 2014 — Advance planning is key to surviving a catastrophe and that includes planning for our animal companions. This National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) recommends you take some time to work out an effective plan that includes your pet, so that you know where to go and what to take if disaster strikes.
 
Because many shelters for disaster victims do not accept animals, all too often pets are left to fend for themselves and end up lost, injured or killed. A pet-friendly evacuation plan includes finding out in advance which shelters or hotels along your evacuation route will accept your pets.
 
“Tragically, people have died because they were ordered to evacuate and did not want to leave their pets behind,” said Loretta Worters, vice president with the I.I.I.
 
In observance of National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, May 8, the I.I.I. offers the following information to protect you, your loved ones and your pets in the event of a disaster.
 
  • Have a Disaster Plan that includes an evacuation route, a pet friendly place to stay and a go-bag for your pets as well as yourself. For more information: Protecting Your Pet During a Disaster. 
  • Go Mobile with the I.I.I.’s award winning Know Your Plan app, designed to help you, your family, and even your pets prepare to safely get out of harm’s way before trouble starts. The preloaded checklists include one designed specifically for your pets. 
  • Test Your Plan; take the Ten Minute Challenge and see how long it would take to get you, your family, your pets and all of your important items out of the house and on the road to safety. 
  • Keep your Pet Insurance information handy, in case there is a problem while you are still out of your house.
Once you return home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away. Remember that familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet may become disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them some time to get used to their “new” surroundings.
 
And, be patient. Try to get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be on the lookout for stress-related behavioral problems; if these persist, talk to your veterinarian.
 

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The I.I.I. has a full library of educational videos on its You Tube Channel. Information about I.I.I. mobile apps can be found here.
 

THE I.I.I. IS A NONPROFIT, COMMUNICATIONS ORGANIZATION SUPPORTED BY THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY.

Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038; (212) 346-5500; www.iii.org

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