Ben Madilynn
As the Humane Society of the United States continues responding to animal needs in the wake of Hurricane Helene–with responders still on the ground in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee–the organization is urging families in the path of Hurricane Milton to ready their pet disaster preparedness plans.
Remember, if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. Evacuation requires planning and preparation to ensure safety, especially for families with animals.
“Though still reeling from Hurricane Helene, people in the path of Hurricane Milton must take action now to prepare their families and animals for another disaster,” said Kelly Donithan, animal disaster response director, the Humane Society of the United States. “As residents solidify their preparedness and evacuation plans, we urge them to remember this: if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. If you need help making plans for your animals, contact local emergency management officials.”
Stay up to date with evacuation orders and other information from local authorities, which can be found here.
It is advisable to have a disaster kit for your pet ready in your home at all times so you are able to shelter in place or evacuate with your pets at a moment’s notice. Tips and items that should be included in a pet disaster kit and plan are listed here.
As attention turns back to Florida, a team of responders from the HSUS are in Unicoi County, Tennessee, at the request of local officials to assist with a dire situation at Unicoi County Animal Shelter, which was left flooded and devastated by Hurricane Helene. The shelter is now completely uninhabitable, and all the animals had to be evacuated. The team is helping to establish a temporary shelter until the permanent space is operational again, which will likely take months.
Additionally, the HSUS has a team on the ground in western North Carolina to assess and respond to animal needs in hard-hit areas after receiving a request for assistance from state officials.
Last week, the HSUS deployed to Madison County, Florida after the authorities requested assistance due to an urgent need for animal supplies in the community in the wake of Helene. The HSUS’ responders operated a drive-thru distribution point for the community to acquire pet food and other necessary supplies at no cost. This distribution point wrapped up operations after providing over 5,770 animals with much-needed supplies. Additionally in Florida, the HSUS operated a pop-up veterinary clinic in Taylor County after local authorities requested veterinary support following the storm. The HSUS offered residents impacted by Hurricane Helene free veterinary care, treating over 260 pets.
Action Steps
- Sign Up for Alerts: Boca Raton has a city alert system to notify residents of emergency situations. Sign up at Alert Boca.
- Subscribe for Weather Alerts: Stay up-to-date with our weather alert service by subscribing here.
- Follow Local Authorities: Monitor updates from NOAA, City of Boca Raton, Palm Beach Police, and Florida Disaster Emergency.
