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Emergency Measures Organization Bermuda > info > petplan  

Pet Plan

 Keeping your pet safe

Have a Safe Place to Take your Pets

Shelters cannot accept pets. It might be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

  • Contact hotels to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size, and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.
  • Ask friends, relatives, or others whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.
  • If you decide to leave the island before the storm, the best thing to do is to evacuate your pets with you. Contact the Department of Agriculture well in advance to make sure your pet complies with all re-import requirements

Assemble a portable pet disaster supplies kit:

Like you, your pet will need essential supplies during and after the storm. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:

  • A first aid kit, including medications and medical records.
  • Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers for transportation.
  • Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
  • Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
  • Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
  • Medical records, if available
  • Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

What to do as the storm approaches:

At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.

  • Call to confirm hotel reservations or shelter arrangements for you and your pets.
  • Check that your pet disaster kits are ready to take at a moment's notice.
  • Bring pets into the house to avoid searching for them if you have to leave.
  •  If you must leave your pet at home, prepare an area that is easily cleaned, such as a bathroom or utility room. Do not leave the animal near a window. Leave several days supply of dry food and water in non-spillable containers.
  • Dogs and cats must wear securely fastened collars with up-to-date identification. Write down your contact details on a temporary tag or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.
  • If you are off island when a storm approaches, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take care of your pets. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home.

Other considerations:

  • Animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist.
  • Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content. Have a photo for identification and leg bands. If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels and change them frequently. Do not let the birds out of the cage or carrier.
  • Small mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) should be transported in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered. Take bedding materials, food bowls, and water bottles.

 Announcements
Causeway remains open 
by IGNHOSTWSS1\tsmithsimons		 9/15/2011 11:57 AM
Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne N. M. Perinchief, JP, MP, would like to inform the public that at this time the Causeway remains open. Engineers from the Ministry of Public Works are currently assessing the bridge as well as Police officers...
 
EMO Announces Hurricane Awareness Week 2011 
by IGNHOSTWSS1\knisbett		 8/8/2011 9:28 AM
Last week, the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Wayne N. M. Perinchief, CPM, JP, MP, convened a meeting of the Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) in order to be briefed on the relevant EMO agencies’ preparations and plans for the 2011 Atlantic...
 
Bermuda delegation returns from Hurricane Preparation Meeting 
by IGNHOSTWSS1\knisbett		 6/2/2011 10:58 AM

Deputy Governor David Arkley has recently returned from a three day seminar in Miami where representatives of the British Caribbean Overseas Territories and Bermuda met to discuss preparations for the forthcoming hurricane season. Mr Arkley was accompanied...

 
REOPENING OF THE CAUSEWAY 
by Coral Wells		 10/29/2010 8:31 PM
This evening, the Government of Bermuda advised that the Causeway Bridge has been reopened to vehicular traffic, effective immediately.

And, the Government takes this opportunity to thank the public for their patience and cooperation during the period...
 
CAUSEWAY CLOSURE – 7.00 P.M. 
by Coral Wells		 10/29/2010 8:14 PM

Late this afternoon, the Bermuda Weather Service (BWS) updated on developments related to Tropical Storm Shary.

 

And based on the latest forecasts, it’s anticipated that the Island will experience increased winds of 50 knots associated with TS...

 
(More Announcements...)