How to keep animals safe during typhoons, floods

MANILA, Philippines – Is there a month when parts of the Philippines don’t experience floods? Hardly any — because in between about 20 tropical cyclones that travel through the country’s area of responsibility yearly, there are the monsoons.

The next question is: Is there any community in the Philippines where there are no pets or farm animals that would suffer during weather disturbances and floods, just like humans? Again, hardly.

So keep this handy, a list based on the information that the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Asia (PETA) shared to ensure that animal companions are also safe during typhoons, flooding, and other natural disasters.

At home

• Before the rains come, make sure the animals are not tied, caged, or confined in any way. If you forget about them amidst the panic and confusion, they will be trapped when the floods rise.
• Make sure there are no barriers to your pets going to the second floor or higher part of the house when the floods rise.
• Prepare a go bag for the animals, with the following items: leash and harness, food and water bowls, wound care kit, towel, blanket, favorite toy, one-week supply of food and water, at least two-week supply of medicines for the sick ones.

When evacuating

• Bring the animals along when you have to evacuate.
• On your way to safety, watch for other animals that might be trapped or left behind by owners.
• If it’s beyond your capacity to rescue the animals that are in immediate danger, call PETA’s emergency rescue line at 0999 888 PETA (7382). 
• Once you have evacuated with the animals, put the small ones in cages and keep the dogs leashed. They might bolt out of fear of strange sounds or out of confusion over the unfamiliar surroundings.

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