Jun 2, 2006 8:21 am US/Eastern
State To Pet Owners: Have A Hurricane Plan
MIAMI (CBS4 News) ―
Have a hurricane plan for your family? What about the family pets? Florida officials say many people don't have a plan to make sure their pets are cared for, something which actually cost people their life during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
The Florida Department of Agriculture is urging Floridians to have a plan for their pets in the event a hurricane forces them to evacuate their homes this year.
Agriculture officials say you should have a disaster kit prepared for your animals. Include food and water for at least three days for each pet, along with a can opener.
Also include vaccination and medical records, medications and written information about the needs of your animal. Those items should be stored in a waterproof container.
It should also contain a picture of your pet and information about yourself in case you become separated.
And don't forget to find out in advance which hotels and motels will allow pets.
In South Florida, two locations offer shelters which permit pets. The shelter in Miami-Dade will accept anyone until it reaches capacity; in Broward County, people bring pets to the single pet friendly shelter must be registered in advance.
Agriculture officials say people who own horses can contact Miami-Dade or Broward emergency management officials to find out where shelters for horses are located.
(© 2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
