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Newsflash
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Monday, 29 December 2008 03:19 |
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Create a disaster evacuation plan for your pet for when you are threatened with flood and bushfire emergencies.
Rockhampton Flood Emergency
Residents in central Queensland are being warned to prepare for the worst despite new predictions the flood swollen Fitzroy River will not rise as high as had earlier been predicted.
Bureau of Meteorology advises, "Due to its immense size and fan-like shape, the Fitzroy River catchment is capable of producing severe flooding following heavy rainfall. Its major tributaries, the Dawson, Mackenzie and Connors Rivers rise in the eastern coastal ranges and in the Great Dividing Range and join together about 100 kilometres west of Rockhampton. Major floods can result from either the Dawson or the Connors-Mackenzie Rivers. Significant flooding in the Rockhampton area can also occur from heavy rain in the local area below Riverslea."
Pet Care in Flood Emergency
According to E. Barcomb-Peterson of the Kansas State University, "when New Orleans residents were forced to leave their homes after Hurricane Katrina, they were often faced with a difficult choice: Stay in harm's way with their animal companions or flee to safety and leave their pets behind.
Since then, the US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would require emergency preparedness officials to consider how pets and service animals would fit into evacuation plans."
10 Essential Items for Pet Evacuation
Dr Marjory Artzer, Professor of Clinical Sciences at the Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, suggests that you prepare your household and pets well before any disaster strikes. She suggests that you pack supplies that you would ordinarily have on hand at home but may not have access to if forced to evacuate. This list includes:
- Pet food which can be bagged in easy to handle amounts;
- Bottled water;
- Leash;
- Pet carrier;
- Adequate amounts of any medications your pet regularly takes;
- Heartworm tablets;
- Flea/tick preventatives;
- Bandaging for wounds;
- Paperwork - health records and registrations;
- If your pet is not microchipped, have pet wear an ID collar.
Dr Artzer suggests, "In an emergency, your pet's nerves can be just as frayed as yours. To make animals more comfortable, do your pet's favourite activity every day, whether it's walking, playing ball or just brushing its fur. The best time to think about an emergency or evacuation plan for your pet is before disaster strikes.
"Have a backup plan for help, like a friend or boarding facility," she said. "It is important to think ahead."
Saltwater Crocodiles Create Risk for Pets
Jay Savage of ninemsn reports, "A mass of displaced saltwater crocodiles are headed for flood-hit Rockhampton — and experts are warning they could stay as long as three months.
Rising floodwaters from the Fitzroy River are expected to peak at eight metres on Thursday morning, bringing with them as many as 60 crocodiles from upstream.
Crocodile expert John Lever said the floodwaters would probably sweep a number of reptiles — especially the young — away from their current habitat."
Pet Disaster Plans are essential. Not only do your pets need to survive the flood waters but there are hidden creatures and possible diseases lurking in the waters.
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Last Updated on Monday, 29 December 2008 03:24 |
