Miami-Dade County Animal Services and the ASPCA Share Hurricane Safety Tips for Florida Residents During National Preparedness Month

MIAMI-DADE -In recognition of National Preparedness Month (September), Miami-Dade Animal Services and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) are sharing hurricane awareness tips and safety precautions to help keep Florida residents - including their pets - safe.

September is Peak Hurricane Season for Florida
Although the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is predicting below-average storms this hurricane season, ensuring families have a preparedness plan in place - especially one that includes their companion animals - is imperative.

"Here in Miami-Dade, we know that hurricane preparedness must include every member of the family, including our pets," said Annette Jose, Director of Miami-Dade County Animal Services. "The best time to prepare is before a storm is on the way. We encourage pet owners to have an emergency plan, supplies and identification ready for their animals, and to know where they can safely go if they need to evacuate. Taking these steps in advance can help reduce stress and, most importantly, keep pets and their families safe when severe weather strikes."

"In areas at high risk for hurricanes, preparedness is essential for both people and pets,"said Susan Anderson, senior director of disaster response for the ASPCA. "When a hurricane threatens, families need a plan that includes emergency supplies, evacuation routes, and the needs of companion animals so they can act quickly and stay safe. We encourage pet owners to review and update their hurricane preparedness plans now to help protect every member of the family, including the pets who depend on them."

Lifesaving Hurricane Preparedness Tips
A past ASPCA survey revealed that while a significant percentage of pet owners live in areas prone to disasters, more than half do not have an emergency preparedness plan in place. Lifesaving hurricane preparedness tips include:

• Get to high ground: In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.
• Don't leave pets behind: If you do evacuate, never leave your pet behind or tether them to poles or trees, which prevents them from escaping high waters and getting to safe areas.
• Prepare emergency supplies: Create a portable pet emergency kit in case you need to shelter in place or evacuate. This kit should include essential items such as a pet carrier, medical records, water, food and water bowls, pet food, cat litter/pan, and any necessary pet medications to last at least ten days.
• Arrange a safe haven: Identify pet-friendly lodging options as part of your emergency planning process. If you cannot bring your pets with you into a shelter, arrange for them to stay at a boarding kennel or the homes of friends/family members.
• Practice advanced crating: Prepare your pet's crate in advance and even consider crating them early. Not only will this ensure you're ready to go when you do decide to evacuate, but this practice will also enhance your pet's safety and help reduce stress.
• Confirm vaccination status: Make sure that your pet's vaccinations are current, and all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
• Update identification: Ensure all pets wear identification tags with current contact information. Verify microchip registration information to maintain accurate contact details.

More ASPCA hurricane preparedness tips and information can be found here.

More information about the ASPCA's disaster response work can be found here. For more information about Miami-Dade County Animal Services visit www.miamidade.gov/animals.

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About Miami-Dade County Animal Services
Every year, Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department (Animal Services) provides care and refuge to almost 15,000 lost, abandoned, injured, ill, or abused dogs and cats and affords vaccination and sterilization services to almost 20,000 free-roaming community cats. Every lost and abandoned dog and cat. Every day, Animal Services staff work diligently to find lifelong homes for these abandoned animals by facilitating on-site adoptions, hosting off-site adoptions at events and locations throughout the community, and collaborating with rescue organizations, volunteers, and adoption partners. For more information, visit www.miamidade.gov/animals and/or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @adoptmiamipets.