Disaster Preparedness

Advance planning for disasters is essential. Events requiring a relocation or disturbance to the routine can range from inconvenient: power outages or no water for a few days, to devastating: wildland or house fires, floods, storms, etc.

BEFORE a disaster

Plan Ahead - Evacuation shelters will NOT welcome animals other than service animals. Make pre-disaster plans for post-disaster, temporary placement of your birds and other animals. Identify local boarding kennels, veterinarians with boarding facilities, motels that accept animals and/or make arrangements with friends or relatives out of the area.

Identification - It is a good idea to keep a visible form of identification such as a band, even if the birds are microchipped. Make sure that any band information is recorded on the birds? documentation, and on their photographs.

Photographs - Keep a current photo of each bird, showing any distinguishing markings. Put the date the photo was taken on the reverse side of each photo.

Transportation - Each bird should have its own carrier. A sturdy carrier makes transportation easy in the event of an evacuation and keeps the birds safe from falling debris. Make sure the carrier is large enough for the bird to turn around. It is important to familiarize each bird with its carrier before disaster strikes.

During an emergency is not a convenient time to realize that all of your carriers don't fit into your vehicle. It is necessary to check this out ahead of time. An evacuation drill will bring up the holes in your plan so you can smooth things out problems before an actual emergency.

Supply Kit - Put together a disaster preparedness supply kit for each bird and make sure it goes with the bird.

Sleeping Quarters - Do not put the bird?s sleeping cages near a window or under shelving. Windows can shatter during a quake showering them with glass. Shelving can collapse tossing books and other heavy objects down onto the birds.

Notice - Place a notice/sticker on your front door/window advising rescuers that animals are in the house and where they might be located. Also indicate how many so they know when all have been located. Contact your local authorities/animal shelter as soon as possible to alert them to the presence of the animals in an evacuated area and to let them know your whereabouts to assist with reuniting you with the birds.

Be sure to provide the birds with as many of the amenities as possible that they are accustomed to on a daily basis. Remember, they are counting on you for their survival and comfort.

DURING and AFTER a disaster

Leaving your birds behind in a disaster is not recommended. But if it's impossible to bring them, remember these tips...

• Prepare an area for the birds to use inside the house away from windows but with adequate ventilation.
• If you expect flooding, place any cages you can up on elevated spaces or counters.
• It is critical that you leave plenty of water and adequate food -- at least enough for 3 days.
• If water is unsafe for you to drink it is also unsafe for your birds to drink. Questionable water should be treated.
• Be patient with the birds after a disaster or relocation has taken place. They get stressed just like people and need time to readjust.
• Watch for signs of stress: changes in eating, drinking or sleeping, vomiting, diarrhea, fear, aggression, insecurity, etc. If symptoms last more than a week, consult your veterinarian.

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