Floods, Bushfires & Emergencies
The recent devestating floods in rural NSW are a reminder that disaster can strike at any time. And traditionally with bushfire season soon upon us, the RSPCA NSW reminds the community that now is the time to prepare an emergency evacuation plan. The plan should also include measures to ensure the safety of family pets and other animals being cared for.
“Planning ahead is critical,” states RSPCA NSW Chief Inspector David OShannessy. “Often, people have no choice but to leave their animals behind because they’ve not considered their pets as part of their evacuation plan.”
In preparation for an emergency, the RSPCA recommends:
- Having carry boxes (for smaller pets), leads (for dogs) and halters (for horses) readily accessible – if possible, familiarise pets with boxes and leads in advance so they become more comfortable with them
- Ensuring pets wear collars and tags at all times – tags should include the animal’s name, owner’s name and phone number.
- To always have a secondary contact number on the ID tag or microchip record – a home phone won’t be answered in an evacuation.
- Ensuring pets are microchipped and registered with your local council, as required under NSW law.
- Preparing an emergency pet supply kit – food and water (remember to pack a can opener if feeding canned food), food and water bowls, kitty litter and litter tray for cats, medication, blankets and towels.
- Keeping current photos of your pets and a detailed description of them, in the event they become lost.
- If pets should become lost during an emergency, contact the RSPCA for helpful tips on how to locate them.
Livestock tips include:
- In preparation for bushfires, prepare and maintain fuel-reduced areas onto which livestock can be moved and held.
- In preparation for floods, move livestock to the highest ground available.
- Have emergency supplies of fodder and water available.
“Pets typically cannot survive on their own so taking animals along at the time of evacuation is strongly recommended whenever possible,” stresses Chief Inspector OShannessy.
If you must evacuate and cannot take your pets, leave a sign in the front window indicating how many animals have been left behind, along with your name and contact information. Remember to place the sign high up in the window so that it doesn’t become obscured by debris or rising water levels (in the event of a flood).
While the thought of disaster and emergency isn’t always at the forefront of your mind, taking time now to prepare helps ensure the safety of your family and pets.
RSPCA NSW also reccomends seeking more information on animal welfare before and during emergencies at...
Bureau of Meteorology;
The Bureau of Meteorology is Australia's national weather, climate and water agency. Its expertise and services assist Australians in dealing with the harsh realities of their natural environment, including drought, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones. Through regular forecasts, warnings, monitoring and advice spanning the Australian region and Antarctic territory, the Bureau provides one of the most fundamental and widely used services of government.
Emergency Management in Australia;
This government website provides vital emergency management information from the Australian Government. The Australian Government Minister responsible for Commonwealth Emergency Management is the Attorney-General. The site provides information about Australian and regional emergency management, in a national security context, including content on policy formulation, national emergency operations and development of national and international capability.
NSW Department of Primary Industries;
NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) acts in partnership with industry and other public sector organisations to foster profitable and sustainable development of primary industries in New South Wales. They provide information on available drought assistance, managing in drought, maps, and drought recovery. They also have information for rural producers affected by severe floods, frost, bushfires and other natural disasters.
