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June Is Pet Preparedness Month
Evacuation plan, emergency kit, and medical information are crucial in a disaster
Springfield-It's not just two-legged loved ones who need a disaster preparedness plan. Four-legged, no-legged, and other pets will need assistance if there is an emergency. A survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals indicated that while 83 percent of pet owners live in an area impacted by disasters, fewer than half have a preparedness plan.
"Just like for humans, we need to be prepared for disasters on behalf of our pets," said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. "Not only do we need to think through all the items necessary to care for pets when we are at home, we need a plan in case we are not home and need arrangements for care."
For example, a recent photo of you and your pet will be key if you are separated and want to be reunited. Rescuers will want proof that your pet belongs to you.
More pet preparedness tips:
- Create a pet preparedness kit with medications, non-perishable food and treats, water, bowls, cat litter and pan, waste bags, blanket, bedding for pocket/exotic pets (and perhaps a heat source), toys, first aid kit, and copies of medical records
- Have up-to-date identification on your pet
- Identify a safe area of your home where all can stay together during a shelter-in-place recommendation, and keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers
- Coordinate with a trusted friend, relative, or neighbor to take care of pets and their disaster kits if you're not home, then meet you a specific location
- Don't allow pets to roam loose in a damaged home or neighborhood.
Many shelters or other emergency centers do not allow pets because of health and safety concerns, so it is critical that you plan ahead for your pets' care.
More tips on pet preparedness information can be found here: https://ready.illinois.gov/plan/animals.html.
Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA): Ready.Illinois.gov
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Severe Weather in Midwest Can Be Spawned by Hurricanes
IEMA-OHS encourages residents to be prepared for the effects of strong hurricanes
Springfield - While a hurricane won't hit Illinois, some tropical storm remnants move far inland to cause flooding and wind damage. "I know it's unusual to ask Illinoisans to be prepared for hurricane season June 1 - November 1, but the Midwest could feel the effects of any strong hurricane," said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Interim Director Khayyat.
"It was just last year that the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought damaging winds, heavy rain, and flooding to our state," Khayyat continued. "This is why IEMA-OHS continuously monitors the National Weather Service forecasts so we are prepared if severe weather tracks from the coast into Illinois."
Residents are encouraged to subscribe to weather alerts through a local National Weather Service office and/or their local media. That is good advice whether you are susceptible to hurricane remnants or if you plan to travel to areas that frequently have hurricanes.
Vacation preparation should entail the following tasks:
• Know your hurricane risks including inland locations
• Update family emergency plans
• Enhance your preparedness kit supplies
• Subscribe to your vacation destination's emergency alerts
• Familiarize yourself with multiple evacuation zones for all travel locations
• Keep your cell phone charged for weather warnings other emergency alerts
• Share your location with family members so they know where you are
• Frequently check the weather, news, and traffic going to, and at your destination
• Check FEMA's website for more hurricane preparedness tips.
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