Auckland floods caution
Avoiding contaminated water with pets
With widespread flooding in Auckland and surrounds, pet insurance specialist PD Insurance advises those with cats and dogs to take special precautions for their furry family members.
Specifically, chief operating officer Michelle Le Long says floodwater should be treated as toxic and dangerous, no matter how benign it may appear.
“We’ve seen people frolicking with their dogs in ‘Domain Lake’ or kayaking down streets for fun,” she says. “Please don’t; flood water is contaminated with sewage and every kind of detritus you can imagine. Stay out of it and keep your pets far away from it too.”
For all its divine scenery and benign flora and fauna, Aotearoa still poses serious risks to its inhabitants. What we lack in dangerous species, Mother Nature makes up for in seismic and meteorological-related activity, with the recent and ongoing flooding a sad case in point.
Le Long says it isn’t just heavy weather, with earthquakes and other risks so present that an investment in emergency preparedness is well-advised for every household.
She notes, “Emergency plans must include provision for family pets. The safety of cats and dogs requires forethought and special provisions to survive rising waters or the next ‘big one’.
“As the country is experiencing right now, the fact that natural disasters are always just around the corner is never out of mind. It’s one of the facts of life living in New Zealand. Coping with disaster must involve your pets – taking similar precautions for the furry family members means assuring their wellbeing along with your own when the unexpected happens.”
The dangers we face
The risks faced by everyone in Aotearoa are clear on the government’s ‘Get Ready’ web page. Hazards include earthquakes (most prominently) along with floods, landslides, storms, tsunami and volcanic activity. Government advice starts with a plan for your household, and Le Long stresses this plan should include the pets.
“Everyone in your household should know the plan,” she says. “This includes preparing supplies that will get you through at least three days in terms of food, water and necessary medicine. Be sure there’s enough for the fur babies, as you don’t want them going without.”
Safe drinking water; eliminate hazards
Access to clean drinking water is among the biggest challenges after a flood and it applies to pets as much as to people. Le Long again stresses that pets must be kept right away from contaminated water; not only could they get ill from drinking it, but a coat soaked in e.coli poisoned water will bring the bugs into your home.
Further, if your property is directly affected by flooding, clear any hazards to the pets as soon as possible. If there are washaways or damage to fencing, for example, consider keeping pets indoors, in a pet carrier, or even restraining them on a run or leash.
What to pack for the pets
Government advice recommends at least nine litres of water for every person and long-lasting ready-to-eat food, with suitable options for babies and pets. Other recommendations include toilet paper and large plastic buckets for an emergency toilet. A medical aid kit should be included too, along with any medications for chronic or specific conditions.
Besides sufficient food and water for your fur babies, consider bowls, carriers, leashes, kitty litter and poo bags. Comforting items such as favourite toys or a blanket are ideal supports for the stress your pets might experience in an emergency. Also bear in mind that even though there’s every possibility additional household items will be available and useable if you’re trapped in such a situation, your plan must assume they aren’t.
Remember the basics: Identification!
One reality of a chaotic natural disaster is the potential for separation of pets and their families. While dogs must be microchipped by law, there’s no such provision for cats. Consider having them fitted with this form of identification that enables you to be contacted if they’re found.
Having a recent picture of your pet is a good idea, too, in case the ‘Facebook army’ or other means of help are required in finding them. And the most basic of basics? Be sure your pets have a collar, preferably with some form of identification carrying your phone number.
Evacuation and pets
If you must evacuate and leave your pets behind, don’t restrain or crate them, says Le Long.
“If you have to leave your pets for your own survival, ensure you leave behind enough food and water where they can easily access it,” she explains. “If your pet’s gone missing, enquire with your neighbours or anyone nearby. Also contact surrounding vets, the local council or animal rescue organisations to try and locate them.”
“While your pets are part of the family, when a quake or any other natural disaster hits it often does so without warning. Human safety must take priority; as the immediate danger recedes, deal with any people problems first then tend to the fur kids.”
Media contact
Leandri Smith – The Mail Room
027 365 9003 | [email protected]