![]() ![]() Since Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005, major changes have been made to federal and state emergency planning laws with respect to animals. Overview of State Emergency Planning Laws for Animals While these plans differ from state to state, most address several key elements, which include the care of companion animals, the implementation of state animal response teams, the sheltering of animals, and identification of recovered animals. Such plans establish procedures to coordinate federal, state and local government agencies, volunteer organizations, animal interest groups, and veterinary medical personnel for rapid response to natural disasters affecting the health, safety and welfare of people and animals. Many state laws require that animals be sheltered and evacuated during an emergency. Since then, over 30 states have adopted either a law that deals with disaster planning and pets or have promulgated administrative plans on the subject ( see Map). PETS directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop emergency preparedness plans and ensure that state and local emergency plans take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals during a major disaster or emergency. In 2006, the federal Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act (42 U.S.C.A. As a result, federal and state laws have been passed to include provisions for evacuation of animals, rescue and recovery, shelters and tracking in disaster plans. The lack of provisions for pets put human health and safety in jeopardy because some pet owners chose to weather the storm at home for fear of what would happen to their animals. At the time, there were no laws that required that animals be evacuated, rescued or sheltered in an emergency. When you are safe, call your out-of-area contact and let him or her know where you are.Brief Summary of State Emergency Planning Laws for Animals.This will provide needed information to law enforcement if they enter your home. Leave a note inside your house stating when you left and where you are going.Wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing.Keep phone numbers and maps for potential evacuation locations. ![]() Call ahead and make a reservation before you leave. Hotels fill up quickly during evacuations.Know the evacuation plans for important locations (such as work or school).Plan several different locations where you could stay during an evacuation, such as the home of family or friends.If you are told to evacuate by government officials, do so immediately. Building a Safe Room Inside Your House - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)Įvacuation occurs only when a serious threat to public safety exists.Are You Ready - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).Safe Rooms - Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).You will be told when it is safe to resume normal activities. Stay calm and immediately follow the protective measures recommended by your local governmental officials and emergency managers. Make sure your family and pets are indoors. If you are told to Shelter-In-Place by government officials, do so immediately.Shelter-In-Place may be recommended when there is little time to react to an incident and it would be more dangerous to be outside.This action could significantly reduce the possibility of inside air contamination. It also may include additional precautions, such as turning off fans, air conditioning, and forced air heating systems during a contamination emergency.Shelter-In-Place means to take immediate shelter indoors, whether in your home, school, business, or public building.In these situations, you should Shelter-In-Place. During some disasters, evacuating your home or business can put you at greater risk than staying put. ![]()
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