Plan In Advance To Protect Your Pets When The Storm Comes

Thousands of Floridians refuse to evacuate from storms because they don’t want to leave their pets. Instead, make pet-care plans in advance.

Source: AARP.org | May 25, 2006

Who: Alfredo Rodriguez, 80

Where: Miami, Florida

Hit by What Storm: Wilma

What Happened: Rodriguez's neighborhood was battered hard by Hurricane Wilma. Because his home is not in an evacuation zone, he chose to stay and weather the storm.

What Helped: Preparing in advance. Wilma knocked out power for two weeks. Wisely, Rodriguez had made necessary preparations for himself as well as for his pet Yorkie, Chiqui. Rodriguez followed a checklist of pet supplies from the Humane Society of Greater Miami. He made sure his dog had enough food and water for two weeks, medications, up-to-date health records and first aid supplies. Unfortunately, his pet birds were not as lucky. Because Rodriguez was unable to store them inside the house, the aviary in which they lived in his backyard was blown away by the storm, killing all the birds.

Words to Weigh: "When I was preparing for the storm, I made all the necessary arrangements for my dog just as I would for myself or any other member of my family," Rodriguez said. Rodriguez wanted to do the same for his birds, but he couldn't afford to buy small cages for them. He also said he never thought Wilma—a Category 1 storm—would be strong enough to destroy his aviary.

Related Articles

• Five Steps for a Safe Hurricane Season
  Follow these five steps to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property during the Florida hurricane season.
• Review your insurance
  It's boring. If you don't do it, you may wish you had.
• "Harden" your home against hurricane winds
  Pick the right type of hurricane shutter to protect your home.
• Prepare two hurricane kits
  One helps if you evacuate. The other helps when you get home.
• Evacuate—the smart way
  Evacuate tens of miles, not hundreds of miles
• Provide for your pets
  Make plans to take care of your pets.
• Document your home and possessions
  Photograph your home for insurance records.

Other Resources

• Humane Society of Greater Miami
• Broward County Florida—Emergency Management Agency
• Animal Help.com
• Miami-Dade County
• The Humane Society of the United States