When winter temperatures plummet, it is important for animal rescue organizations to have solid plans in place. Disaster preparedness for animals is just as important as the preparations that are made for humans. In fact, these plans feature many of the same elements. Taking the time to make ready for unexpected events in advance of their occurrence can save lives, prevent illness and ensure continued comfort. It can also help animal welfare organizations avoid a host of wholly preventable, financial problems.
Access To Water
Water is always a critical element for survival and thus, when it comes to disaster preparedness for animals, it is important to have adequate water supplies for each animal and person who will be present in the facility throughout any major storm. The general recommendation is to have between one and two gallons per person, per day along with one gallon per animal, per day. As an alternative to investing in costly, bottled water supplies, animal rescuers can sterilize empty, reusable water bottles with modest amounts of bleach and sufficient rinsing. These can then be filled with clean, potable water and stored. Water that has been stored in reusable containers for disaster events should be changed out once every six months.
Shelter In Place Supplies
A snowstorm can make it necessary for all team members to shelter in place. For volunteers and all other facility personnel, it is important to have a comprehensive first aid kit, adequate blankets, high-protein, high energy foods, back-up supplies of any personal medications and sufficient water. Animals will need a supply of kitty litter, bags for storing other solid animal waste for preservation of the shelter in place environment, dry food stores, blankets for additional warmth as necessary and back-up supplies of all veterinarian-issued medicines. It is also important to have a first-aid kit that is specific to the needs of the animals that are housed.
Coverage For Protecting The Facility And All That It Contains
One of the most important elements of your plan for snow emergency preparedness is sufficient coverage for the shelter facility and all of the items that it contains. In addition to presenting a number of challenging, shelter in place events, seasons of heavy snowfall can also wreak havoc on physical building structures and their contents. With comprehensive commercial property insurance, animal welfare organizations can limit the financial impact that severe weather has on their facilities.