Stronger than the Storm: Plan ahead for your own safety and the safety of your pets.

Superstorm Sandy wrought havoc with the lives of people and pets in New Jersey and New York.

Whole towns were flooded. Houses were destroyed, highways, schools, and businesses were under water. The HSUS with their trained search and rescue teams began going door-to-door looking for stranded animals—not an easy task. The rescuers waded through high water, mud, and rubble. They crawled through windows and under beds—anywhere a frightened pet might be hiding. On one flooded street they found cats in a house that had floated a block from its foundation. Another cat was found in the rubble of a just-bulldozed home.

The HSUS deployed more than 140 staff and volunteers, helped rescue more than 350 animals from devastated areas, cared for more than 700 animals in emergency shelters, and helped set up four distribution centers for supplies. Happily, owners reclaimed more than 400 pets in total.

Put together an emergency kit for your pet:

• Fill a duffle bag or plastic bin with a leash, harness, pet food, bottled water, food bowls, can opener, kitty litter and pan, and a copy of your pet’s medical records.
• Have a pet carrier and/or cage handy.
• If it’s necessary to leave in an emergency, bring your pet with you.
• Take with you any medicines your pet needs.

Emergency tips:

• Be sure your pets wear ID tags and collars.
• Don’t let pets wander outdoors. That way, if you have to leave home in a hurry, your pets will be ready to leave with you.

Provided by:
The Humane Society of the United States