Keep your animals safe during storms and extreme weather by including them in your emergency plan.
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00:00Storms can be a stressful experience for animals, so when extreme weather strikes
00:05it's important to include your pets in your emergency plan.
00:09It might be simple to just put your dog in the car, but that's not the end of it.
00:13You need to know where will you go and you need to also have a couple of options as
00:16well, just in case that first option is not available to you.
00:19According to the SES, including pets in emergency plans is a matter of safety
00:25for all members of the household.
00:28When evacuation is delayed, for example, animals are often left behind in the last-minute
00:34scramble for safety.
00:37If you know a storm is on the way, make sure your animals are secure and safe.
00:43Check if your local evacuation centre accepts pets.
00:47Some may only accept pets with identification and proof of vaccination.
00:53So make sure you have these documents in your grab-and-go emergency bag.
00:59Your bag should also include food, water, litter, collars, and any medications.
01:06SES volunteer Robert Leach says training beforehand can help you get your stressed pet into their
01:13carrier quickly.
01:14As soon as I bring out the carrier, my cat thinks, right, it's time for the vet, and
01:19he goes and runs and hides under the bed.
01:22If you're in an emergency, that is terrible.
01:24So having positive reinforcement, maybe leaving that carrier out in your house, maybe spraying
01:28some pheromones like Feliway, or even feeding your animals in that carrier so they get used
01:32to it a bit more, they have that understanding that it's not just a trip to the vet, it's
01:37something that may be positive.
01:40Ensure your animals are microchipped and registered with your details up to date.
01:46If you need help during an emergency, contact SES on 132 500.
01:54If the matter is life-threatening, call 000.