Yatauro Encourages Residents to Be Prepared in Case of Emergency; Have Plan in Place for Pets

Nassau County Legislator Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove) encouraged residents today to prepare themselves and their families in the case of an emergency, such as a hurricane, terrorist attack or other natural disaster, and to make sure arrangements are made for any pets that may not be allowed into shelters.

“September is National Preparedness Month, so I am encouraging all residents to prepare themselves, their families, and their pets for the possibility of an emergency,” Yatauro said. “In the event of a severe storm or attack, there will be little time to get organized, so now is the time to devise a plan.”

Pet Safe Coalition, an animal-focused disaster relief organization, offers several tips on how to best prepare your pet in an emergency:

• Most shelters do not accept pets, so you must make your own plans for them
• Assemble a pet disaster kit including medical records and medication, food, water, collar with identification, and phone number of veterinarian
• Have a sturdy crate for your animal. It will be more welcome in a shelter if it’s contained
• Make sure all pets are inside before a weather emergency or disaster strikes. This way you won’t have to search for them before you evacuate

“People come through emergencies better when they have a plan of action, and the same is true with pets,” said Beverly Poppel, Pet Safe’s Vice President. “People have to be proactive and know what’s happening. Keeping your pet with you during an evacuation is essential to the animal’s survival, so having a plan is very important.”

For the human members of the family, the Red Cross encourages residents to assemble an Emergency Preparedness Kit which should include important documents, food, water, flashlights, batteries, any medication and first aid supplies. Having an emergency kit ready to go is essential to a quick and safe evacuation. Adults should prepare emergency kits for children as well.

“The possibilities of facing a natural or man-made disaster are compelling reasons for all of us to be prepared,” said Frank Casano of the Nassau County Red Cross. “Make list, pack a bag, be informed. These three simple tings can and will make a difference.”

Here are some safety tips to remember and precautions to take to ensure the safety of you and your family.

• Prepare a disaster kit for your home. Stock up on non-perishable food and water to sustain you and your family for 72 hours or longer. Ensure you have important papers (insurance, identification), first aid kit, prescription medication and other specialty items. Also have an emergency kit for your car in case you need to evacuate. Remember to pack necessary items for your pet.
• Create an emergency plan. Know what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure you know how to contact members of your family and have an emergency contact number for someone out of state who knows where you are in the event of an emergency. You may also want to offer assistance to an elderly or disabled family member or neighbor who may be alone. Practice your plans ahead of time.
• Be informed. Know your evacuation routes and listen to local authorities when asked to evacuate. Speak with an insurance agent about flood insurance and review your homeowner’s policy.
• Get involved. Contact your local Red Cross chapter to learn what efforts your community is taking to prepare for hurricane season, and learn how you can help. It is possible to receive free training and there are opportunities to assist your neighbors as a shelter volunteer.

For more information, please visit the Red Cross at www.nassauredcross.org, the Pet Safe Coalition at www.petsafecoalition.org, or the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/oem/index.html to learn more.