Queenslanders have once again gone through a tropical cyclone, but this one (Tropical Cyclone Yasi) was a monster, and the Premier of Queensland, Anna Bligh, had stated that it would be devastating, destructive and potentially deadly. She was right.
ID Collar on Pet
After the safety of people, my thoughts turned to the safety of pets, so I thought it would help pet owners to be aware of some of the preparations they can make for their pets before the onslaught of the danger; it’s too late for this one, but not for the next.
This cyclone was forecast well in advance and because of that, people had time to prepare for it, and that preparation probably saved lives too. This cyclone has taught us that preparation is essential – but what about our pets?
Cyclone Yasi Aftermath
Animals become very anxious during weather events such as this, so pet owners should ensure that their pets and animals are clearly identified with ID tags, showing telephone numbers – just in case some of them try to escape from their homes and yards during the cyclone.
It is recommended that pets should be kept somewhere familiar where they can be monitored; they need to feel secure, so keep them in a place where they feel comfortable and somewhere that is familiar to them. If the owner is anxious, this will pass on to the animal, so try to keep as calm as possible. Make sure there is plenty of water and food available to last at least a few days – just in case.
The noise a cyclone brings with it is horrendous, and will be terrifying for an animal – remember their hearing is more sensitive than humans, so they will be more prone to any kind of noise. Torrential rain lashing down on the roof makes a deafening sound, the fierce winds will pick up anything in it’s path and the debris will come crashing down on buildings. Uprooted trees will be thrown about like toothpicks and might even come flying through windows, so make sure any windows are taped up or covered with plywood.
The main thing is to try to keep as calm as possible as this is the time when animals will become extremely distressed and may even try to run away because they are so frightened. The animal is a lot safer inside a building with his owner than he would be out on the street.
A cyclone of the magnitude that this one is would pick an animal up and toss it around like a rag doll; it wouldn’t stand a chance.
So preparation is essential, keep the animal in a safe place, wearing ID, and try to keep calm until the cyclone danger is over.
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©passionateaboutpets.wordpress.com
Excellent advice especially with the extreme weather conditions we are experiencing of late. I don’t know why but I sometimes watch our cat and sense a storm coming when he starts acting strange…
Btw, you know, I have a subscription to your blog but for no reason, it is not showing up !?
Eliz
Animals have a sixth sense about things like that Eliz – we should take more note of them!
I appreciate you subscribing to my blog. Do you mean you are not being notified when I post a new one?
lol – thanks Rosemary!!
Hi There Barbs…Thank God we don’t get that type of weather here…Jasmine hyperventilates when she hears the starter gun from the nearby school field….she would completely go to pieces in a cyclone….don’t know that I could stay calm either!
I can’t do the smiley face either.
Jasmine sounds like my Poppy – she gets nervous when it rains heavy and she can hear it bouncing on the roof!
We should ask Rose how to do those smiley faces!
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Those are 3 of them.
Hey I have a hard time with hole animal being LEFT behind in the horror of that hurricane and any other natural disaster. I cry just writing this. Forgive me for not making more comments as I am so sensitive to all animals. Not sure why. I have two cats, and have great memories of the ones that have passed on. I pray for all animals safety daily.
Could you take this pole: http://postadaychallenge2011.com/2011/02/05/post-39-blogging-buddies-hanging-on-247/#comments
Me too – the thought of leaving a pet behind is unbearable to even contemplate. Going to check the poll now.
I couldn’t leave my dog behind in such an event – I would rather take my chances and stay with her. That’s why preparation is so vital, and not to leave decisions to the last moment.
How do you get those smiley faces Rose?
Barb, wonderful advice for pet owners. I would have a tough time leaving my cats behind, they are part of my family.
Great advice Barb. When a major hurricane hit New Orleans a few years back, and a mandatory evacuation was issued, many people would not leave because the emergency shelters would not take pets. This was very unfortunate, as some people and pets did not survive. People across the nation were fostering hundreds and hundreds of pets until the owners could be found.
We are lucky enough to have family inland, within driving distance, so we would evacuate instead of riding it out should this happen at the beach. Not all people are that lucky. As New Orleans showed us, those of us that love our pets will put ourselves in danger to protect those four legged, innocent beings.
~ shell
I remember Hurricaine Katrina, it was big news over here just as our Cyclone Yasi was all over the world.
You are fortunate in that you have family who live inland that you could go to if such an event happened again (God forbid), so you and your pets can get to safety. There is no way I could leave my little dog – I would go through hell or high water to keep her safe, as would many others who love their pets.