Advice from PETA During Severe Thunderstorms
PETA Offers Urgent Tips on Safeguarding Animals During Severe Thunderstorms
With severe thunderstorms including damaging gales and intense rain affecting your area, PETA is offering important advice to help ensure the safety of companion animals during the storm and should tornadoes hit. Please alert your audience to the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, rabbits and other companion animals who need to be included in disaster-preparation plans:
• Bring animals
inside. Never leave them chained or penned up
outside. If you seek safety within your residence, bring
your animals with you. Dogs have been sucked into the air,
doghouse and all, during tornadoes.
• If you need to
move to a stronger structure, know your destination ahead of
time. Although emergency shelters sometimes turn away
animals, motels in the area are likely to accept dogs, cats,
and other small animals in an emergency. Do not plan to
leave animals unsupervised in a car—they can suffer from
heatstroke once the ambient temperature rises above 70
degrees, even if water is available and the windows are
slightly open, or the car may be overturned or crushed
during a significant storm.
• Move small animals in
secure carriers, and keep dogs leashed. Frightening sounds
and unfamiliar surroundings may make them bolt. Take water
and food bowls, a favorite toy, a blanket, a towel, and
enough food for at least a week.
• Watch for other
animals in need, including strays and animals who may have
been left behind by neighbors. If you see an animal in
distress and are unable to help, note the animal's location
and call authorities for help
immediately.
ENDS