Hurricane Flossie did not cause any major problems in Hawaii in
August 2007, but it did expose a big problem for people who own
pets.
Despite a decision a year ago that pets needed sheltering, too,
there were still no shelters for animals ready in Hawaii.
If Hurricane Flossie was a direct hit many people said they would
not have gone to shelter if it meant leaving their pets behind.
Hurricane Katrina led to the unfulfilled promise of new state laws
requiring pets to be sheltered near their owners.
Hawaii State Civil Defense Vice Director Ed Teixera said he was
disappointed that has not happened in Hawaii.
As Flossie approached the Big Island, the Hawaiian Humane Society
and the Red Cross announced that pets could be brought to school
shelters. That announcement had to be withdrawn after the Department
of Education said that pets would not be allowed in school shelters
due to concern about sanitation.
Right before Floosie hit land, two Big Island schools finally
declared themselves pet-friendly. This is a big problem for pet
owners here on Maui to get their pets prepared for a natural
disaster. We can only hope that the next time history will not
repeat itself and some of the following shelters will declare
themselves pet friendly:
MAUI COUNTY STORM SHELTERS
Kahului/Wailuku/Waihee
Baldwin High
Iao Elementary
Lihikai Elementary
Maui Community College
Maui High
Maui Waena Intermediate
Waihee Elementary
Wailuku Elementary
Lahaina Intermediate
Lahainaluna High
Princess Nahienaena Elementary
Upcountry
Kalama Intermediate
King Kekaulike High
Makawao Elementary
Pukalani Elementary
Hana
Hana High & Elementary
Molokai
Kaunakakai Elementary
Kualapuu Elementary
Molokai High and Intermediate
Lanai
Lanai High and Elementary
Try to take your animals
with you of you decide to evacuate. Pets that are released or left
behind often become victims of starvation, predators, contaminated
food or water, accidents, or exposure to the elements.
Make sure animals have ID
tags on them. At least a week's worth of supplies should be on hand.
Proof of current
vaccinations will be required for housing animals in many
facilities. Make sure you have copies stored in a waterproof
container with other supplies so you don't forget to take them.
Maintain current photos of
your animals and property.
Make sure you have a plan
that is effective during the times when you are separated from your
pets. During a Hurricane Watch period (24-36 hour prior) watch local
hurricane progress coverage, check your pet's emergency supplies and
load them up, and make sure you have your evacuation vehicles fully
fueled.
Anchor outside objects
that cannot be brought inside to avoid injury to animals, humans, or
property.
Flood conditions / storm
surges are threats to pets. Try to design a way for them to escape
and climb to safety.
Provide shade along with
water for pets.
Return home only after
authorities advise that it is safe to do so.
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