Thankfully the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center has reduced its forecast for the numbers of storms and hurricanes that will occur during the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season, as its Climate Prediction Center raises the likelihood of a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 60%.
Back in May when NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center first forecast activity levels for the 2018 Atlantic hurricane season it had given a 25% chance of a below-average level of storms forming. Now, with this latest update NOAA has reduced all of the numbers, now calling for 9 to 13 named storms, 4 to 7 hurricanes and 0 to 2 major hurricanes during the entire 2018 hurricane season.
“Conditions in the ocean and the atmosphere are conspiring to produce a less active Atlantic hurricane season than initially predicted in May,” NOAA explained. Additional factors suggesting a below average hurricane season for 2018 include the fact that sea surface temperatures across the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea have remained much cooler than average, while a combination of stronger wind shear, drier air and increased stability of the atmosphere in the region where storms typically develop is likely to suppress hurricane development further, NOAA says.
Regardless, it is wise to be prepared, especially after last year’s visit from Irma and to consider what we would do this time to better protect our pets and the other animals in our care. The Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation urges everyone to take the time to create a plan and assemble a Disaster Emergency Kit for your family that includes your pets. By taking these precautions now, and considering what was learned from last year, you will be one step ahead if a hurricane should threaten Anguilla.
AARF advises all pet owners to include the following in their Disaster Emergency Kit for their pet:
• Supply of dry food for 7 days in an airtight, waterproof container
• Drinking water for 7 days
• Bowls for food and water
• For dogs include – leash, collar and a sturdy carrier
• For cats include – litter / litter box, garbage bags to collect all pets’ waste, and litter scoop and a sturdy carrier
• Medications and medical records including vaccination records for each pet stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit.
• Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated.
• Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and other special items.
• Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and household bleach.
The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets if possible, is to keep them with you. Animals left to fend for themselves can easily be injured, lost or killed. Animals turned loose to be on their own, are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents. Leaving dogs or other animals tied or chained outside in a disaster is a death sentence. Make sure your pet has visible identification on – if nothing else a collar with your phone number. If you must evacuate to a Hurricane Shelter where animals are not allowed, your pets should be left inside the house in a bathroom or other small area for protection.
If your family and pets must wait out a hurricane, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. Be sure to close your windows and doors, stay inside, and follow the instructions from the Anguilla Emergency Management office.
• Bring your pets indoors as soon as authorities say there is an imminent problem. Pets have a way of knowing when storms are coming even though you may not be able to hear or see it. They may roam from home just when you do not want to spend time searching for them. Keep pets under your direct control; if you have to evacuate, you will not have to spend time trying to find them. Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification.
• If you have a room you can designate as a “safe room,” put your emergency supplies in that room in advance, including your pet’s crate and supplies. Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers, along with your other emergency supplies.
AARF also recommends the following tips for owners of livestock animals including goats, cows, horses, chickens and pigs:
• Livestock should not be tied during storms as it prevents them from seeking shelter from high water and blowing debris.
• Ensure that poultry have access to high areas in which to perch especially if they are in a flood-prone area, as well as food and clean water.
• Obtain enough large containers to water your animals for at least a week as water supplies are often contaminated during a disaster.
• Secure or remove anything that could become blowing debris, if you have boats, feed troughs, or other large containers, fill them with water before the hurricane. This prevents them from blowing around and also gives you an additional supply of water.
After the Storm – Planning and preparation help, but your home may be a very different place afterward, whether you have taken shelter at home or elsewhere.
• Don’t allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations.
• While you assess the damage, keep dogs on leashes and keep cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost.
• Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and understand that there may be behavioral problems resulting from the stress of the situation.
Hopefully, we will have a few storms and no hurricanes this season, but it is best to Be Prepared to face these stressful situations if they should occur – doing so could save the life of your pet or your livestock.
This article is provided as a public service from the Anguilla Animal Rescue Foundation. Should you have any questions please call AARF at 476–2731 or Morlens Veterinary Clinic at 497-4600.
– Contributed
(Published without editing by The Anguilian newspaper.)
