b'Dont Be Scared. Be Prepared.Hurricane season in the state of Florida is June 1stNovember 30th.Now is the time to prepare andmake sure vaccines and microchip registration information are current. Dont wait until a storm isheading our way to make an appointment with your veterinarian. Never leave your pet behind orlet it be a reason not to evacuate.Leaving pets out of an evacuation plan not only poses have passed expiration dates. If evacuation is imminent,risks for pets and their owners but also for first respon- place your animal in a carrier or on a leash ahead ofders who may venture into dangerous areas or situa- time so time is not lost chasing a scared pet at the lasttions to retrieve a family dog or cat. Pets left behind minute.during a hurricaneeven if in a high-level, safe Listed below are recommendations for a basic petplacecan become injured, lost or worse, so it is emergency kit that should be clearly marked as a petalways best to bring them along. emergency kit and accessible when needed.lWaterAt least a three (3) day supply foreach pet.lNon-perishable foodAt least (3) three daysupply in an airtight waterproof container.lIf your pet is used to receiving treats bringthem also.lA non-electric can opener, if using canned food.lMedicationA one (1) week supply in awaterproof container or zip lock bag.lMedical RecordsProof of vaccinations in awaterproof container or zip lock bag.lMicrochip information and make sure allowner information is current.lInclude a photograph of yourself WITH yourpet so ownership can be established if you areseparated, 80% of pets displaced by a storm arenever reunited with their owners.A safe and successful evacuation depends on pre- lA carrier along with a spare leash, collar, andparedness and planning. Two keys to a weather-related lID Tagemergency are to prepare for the risks and to act on Water and food bowls along with a fewthose preparations when emergency officials recom- familiar toys.mend evacuation. Always remember that during a dis- lLitter, litter box, puppy pads, and dog wasteaster, whats good for you and your family is good for bags (poop bag!).your pets. lBasic pet first aid kit.It is important that you prepare an emergency kit lPaper towels.for you and your family, it is equally important to pre- lSpare flashlight.pare an emergency kit for your animals. All emergency Please follow recommendations from emergencykits should be located at least four (4) feet off the floor management authorities. Remember, prepare ahead ofand readily accessible. Food, water, and medications in time for yourself, your family, and your pets. !these kits need to be refreshed occasionally and not SOURCE: Humane Society of Manatee County12 - Suncoast Review Summer 2022 www.SuncoastCAI.com'