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If Evacuation Is Not an Option

When a disaster threatens, it is highly recommended that animals are evacuated; but in the worst case scenario, you may not have a chance to evacuate them. If that is the case, follow these suggestions to help your animal(s) ride out the storm.

• Preplace stickers on front and back house doors, barn doors, and pasture entrances to notify rescue personnel that animals are on your property. Also make a note of where to find evacuation supplies.
• Provide a list near your evacuation supplies of the number, type, and location of your animals, including their favorite hiding spots.
  
• Provide muzzles, handling gloves, catch nets, and animal restraints where help can find them.
  
• Designate a back-up person, such as a neighbor or close friend, that can tend to your animals if disaster occurs when you are not at home. Make sure this person has a key to your home, is familiar with your animals, knows evacuation procedures, and knows where your evacuation supplies are kept.
  
• Consider keeping a pre-signed letter that releases your neighbor or friend from responsibility if one of your animals becomes injured during evacuation.
  
• Consider keeping a pre-signed veterinary medical treatment authorization with your pet’s disaster kit, in case your animal needs to be treated while you’re absent.