MHS CEO Discusses Emergency Plans and Preparedness for Pets
Selene LeGare & Debra Lordan
Photos
Many families are prepared for our annual hurricane season, and other disasters that may occur any time of year, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, fires and flood. These residents regularly update emergency supplies and know in advance the location of the nearest shelter. They also have a plan and know where they’ll reunite with their family members if a disaster strikes during work and school hours.
But many don’t plan on what to do with another important member of the family—the furry one with four legs. What would you do with your dog or cat when disaster strikes?
Members and guests of the Maui County Health Volunteers (MCHV) met in January with Jocelyn Bouchard, CEO of the Maui Humane Society (MHS), to discuss these issues. Bouchard’s presentation on animals and disasters provided information on making emergency plans and provisions for family pets.
“The importance of including pets in disaster planning was evident in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,” said Bouchard. “Because shelters didn’t accept pets, many people had to make a choice between staying and facing the hurricane, or leaving their pets behind to fend for themselves.”
Days turned into weeks, floodwaters rose and many pets didn’t survive. Heart-wrenching YouTube videos show the condition of those who did. One year after Katrina, the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act was signed into law to prevent those scenarios from being repeated. The PETS Act requires all states and counties that apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance to accommodate pets and service animals in their disaster management plans.
In April 2009, the State of Hawai‘i released a list of pet-friendly shelters in Maui County: Baldwin High School in Wailuku, Maui High School and Maui Waena Intermediate School in Kahului, Lokelani Intermediate School in Kīhei, Kalama Intermediate School in Makawao and King Kekaulike High School in Pukalani.
There are no pet-friendly shelters in Lahaina and Hāna, or on Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. However, in a “non-wind event,” the Maui Humane Society is prepared to set up temporary shelters to house pets in these areas. Wind events (such as hurricanes) still pose a challenge, and pet owners need to be prepared with other shelter solutions.
“Pet owners should never plan to leave a pet outside or tied up during a storm,” said Bouchard. “Leaving a pet alone inside the house—even with food and water—may not be safe either, and no boarding kennel facilities on Maui are considered hurricane-safe.
“If you must evacuate, and a pet-friendly shelter is not available in your vicinity, you will most likely be told to just leave your pet in your vehicle while you’re inside the shelter,” said Bouchard.
Even in a pet-friendly shelter, Bouchard said you should plan to be separated from your pet. Animals will not be housed in the same areas as people. To be prepared to go to a pet-friendly shelter, pack food and water bowls, at least a two-week supply of food and water, cat litter and pan, bags for dog waste, medications, a leash, identification and a pet carrier. A pet first aid kit, veterinary records, blankets, towels and favorite toys are also recommended.
Acceptable pet carriers include the plastic variety used to transport animals on airlines, or the open-air (wire) type that can be folded and stored more easily. Carriers should be large enough that your pet can stand up and turn around. Cat carriers should also allow for space between the cat and litter box.
“Perhaps most importantly, you need to take the time to acclimate your pet to the carrier before a disaster strikes, by putting treats and favorite toys in it, and use it for your pet’s sleeping area,” said Bouchard.
Make sure you have a current photo of your pet for identification purposes, and keep your pet’s ID tags up to date and securely fastened to their collar. Duct tape can be used to secure tags and other information (like the address of your shelter site). The ideal identification method is a microchip ID implanted under your pet’s skin. Microchips are available at most veterinary clinics, can be read by a scanner and can’t be removed or lost. Update the Maui Humane Society or your veterinarian when you move or change your phone number, so you can still be contacted when your pet is found.
If you find a stray animal at any time, Bouchard advises using caution. During a disaster, even normally friendly pets can become aggressive or defensive. If an animal can’t be coaxed toward you, don’t try to corner it. The animal’s “fight or flight” instinct will trigger a fight reaction if it can’t flee. Even if the animal looks like a household pet, calling a specially trained and equipped animal control officer is a better option than trying to capture it on your own. (Note that feral cats and other animals not classified as “pets” will not be taken in at shelters or attended to by MHS in a disaster.)
MHS takes in approximately 10,000 animals a year. While MHS resources are already stretched thin, operations would be put on hold and staff and volunteers would be redirected to handle a disaster situation.
If you’re interested in assisting, contact Bouchard at info@mauihumanesociety.org.
Maui County Health Volunteers is one of over 750 Medical Reserve Corps units across the country. Their mission is to maintain a strong, local team of medical and non-medical volunteers who are trained to respond in public health emergencies. They work in coordination with Maui County Civil Defense and the Hawai‘i State Chapter of the American Red Cross. For more information, or to volunteer, contact Rachel Heckscher at 243-8649.
Additional resources on this topic may be found at www.mauiready.org (see Part 6 of the Plan to Be Ready booklet), www.scd.hawaii.gov, www.MauiHumaneSociety.org, www.HSUS.org, www.ASPCA.org and www.FEMA.gov.
Selene LeGare, MPH, LMT is the owner of Pohala Wellness and a member of Maui County Health Volunteers.
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