PLAN AHEAD FOR THE PETS & KIDS THIS STORM SEASON – OFFICIAL FLORIDA KEYS HURRICANE GUIDE

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These vulnerable ones need your care

PETS

Your pets are dependent on you and the decisions you make. Hurricane Katrina revealed the folly of trying to separate humans from their animals and many people and pets lost their lives. Now, however, there’s legislation in place mandating space for animals at shelters. There is never a reason to leave behind domesticated animals when evacuating from a storm. Here’s how to keep your pet safe in the event of a hurricane:

• Microchip your pet, plus have your pet wear a collar with an ID and rabies tag. Carry pictures of your pet to aid in finding a lost pet. 

• Consider a harness (and leash) for your cat, but allow plenty of time to get them used to wearing it BEFORE a storm approaches. Get a harness made especially for cats, who can wriggle out of anything else. It could prevent a stressed-out, thunder-shy kitty from darting away and hiding.

BABIES

As families in the Florida Keys prepare for the upcoming storm season, they will hear about the various storm warnings, evacuation orders and how to prepare a home for a storm. With all the information swirling about, including checklists for purchasing batteries, flashlights and water, it’s important not to lose sight of protecting life — especially that of pregnant women and babies.

• Mothers-to-be need to make certain they have an alternate birth plan and location in case the order to evacuate is given. Do some research and collect phone numbers and locations for local providers in that area. In the past, some Keys mothers have evacuated and given birth in another part of the state. This scenario may be unlikely, but for the mother nearing a due date, a backup plan is essential.

• For the baby, nutritional and comfort needs must be considered first when creating a hurricane kit either at home, or for a car ride out to safer ground.

• Babies 6 months and younger need to have a supply of breastmilk or formula. For those babies that drink formula, the family needs to have a supply of safe drinking water and a method to sanitize bottles (or use disposable dispensers). Pack at least three full day and nights worth of bottles, water and formula. 

• Consider packing comfort items for your child such as favorite blankets, pajamas or dolls. Having the child’s comfort items and nutritional needs already planned for can ease some of the burden of the storm. Oh, last but not least, don’t forget to stock up on extra baby wipes and diapers. Supplies can be slow to restock in stores after a storm.