Relevant

This information comes from Pet Helpers, found online at
http://www.pethelpers.org/

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do for your pets is evacuate them too. Advanced planning is essential.

Pets should NEVER be left outside during a storm. Storms are frightening to pets, especially hurricanes. When the barometer drops it can be painful to pets due to their sensitive hearing abilities.

Also being alone and terrified during the long hours it takes a hurricane to pass can leave a pet emotionally scarred for a long time. Remember, if it is dangerous for you to stay then it is also dangerous for your pet.

We will also be willing to cross-post (i.e. list with our rescue if you need to find a home for a dog, or you are fostering a dog who needs a permanent home, but we will not take the dog INTO our rescue) most dogs considered "bully" breeds. I.E.:

Plan your evacuation strategy and don’t forget your pet! Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics and friends and relatives out of harms way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster. Remember that animals brought to a pet shelter are required to have proper identification collar and rabies tags, a carrier or cage, an ample supply of food and food bowls, any necessary medications, and newspapers or trash bags for clean up.

The JASPCA in conjunction with Charleston County and the City of North Charleston will open its Emergency Disaster Shelter for People and their Pets in the event that a mandatory evacuation is issued by Charleston County. The disaster shelter should be considered as a last resort. The SPCA wants the animal guardians in mandatory evacuation areas to understand that they must leave the area and they must take their pets with them. Only one guardian per family of pets will be allowed to stay at the shelter. Owners will be required to bring supplies for themselves and their pets.

When you return home, walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home. Familiar scents and landmarks could be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost. Also, downed power lines, reptiles brought in with high water, and debris could all pose a threat for animals after a disaster.

Following a disaster, if you are unable to locate your pet, visit your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye out. Contact your local animal control officer, contact Pet Helpers, your local SPCA and all your local veterinarians. Place an ad in the classified section of your local paper and put up flyers with a picture of your pet. Remember that when cats are frightened, they feel more secure in small enclosed spaces. A cat may stay in hiding for several days. Owners who can’t find their cats, even for several days, should not give up. Cats are extremely territorial and chances are a missing cat has not gone far. Even if your home has been destroyed, the cat may stay nearby. If you have had to move out of your home following a disaster, return each day to leave food and water and try to call your pet.

Remember, your pet is totally dependent on you for its protection and care.
Plan ahead and keep them safe!

PLEASE NOTE THAT LOWCOUNTRY PIT BULL RESCUE DOES NOT PROVIDE EMERGENCY SHELTER TO FOSTER HOMES IN THE EVENT OF A HURRICANE, FLOOD, OR OTHER EVACUATION. WE EXPECT ALL FOSTER HOMES TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE SAFETY TO ANY DOG THEY ARE FOSTERING.