California Evacuees: Motel 6 Accepts Pets

With the fires spreading in southern California, the Motel 6 chain is offering its services as a pet-friendly sanctuary to those who must evacuate their homes.

The motel chain is encouraging fire evacuees to go to Motel6.com or call 1-800-4Motel6 (800-466-8356) to find room availability. Motel 6 is also offering tips on how to prepare for your pet in case of an evacuation.

"The first priority is to make sure everyone who evacuates has a safe place to go with their pets, which is why we are encouraging anyone evacuating with animals to look out for a Motel 6 or other pet-friendly accommodations," says Sue MacGregor, vice president of risk for Accor North America, Motel 6's parent company. "Many people are facing evacuation in Southern California, and it is important that they know how to prepare themselves and their pets for this unexpected disaster."

• If possible, do not leave your pet behind. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet. Make sure your pet is a part of the family disaster plan. Keep in mind that most disaster shelters do not take animals, except for service dogs. Contact or surf the web for your local animal shelter, veterinarian or emergency management office regarding information on sheltering pets during an emergency. Be sure to identify pet-friendly hotels, like Motel 6, along your evacuation routes. Plan with your neighbor to ensure all pets are taken care of if one of you is not home during a disaster.
• Keep emergency supplies readily available to house and feed your pets. Each pet needs a sturdy crate to keep safe. Keep a two-week supply of water and food with bowls for each pet as part of your family's emergency provisions. If your pet is on medication, make sure you have enough medicine to last your pet for several weeks. A pet first aid kit, plastic bags, disinfectant, pooper scoopers, kitty litter and a small litter tray are also useful items to have on-hand.
• Be prepared in case you get separated from your pet. Get up-to-date identification that can easily trace your pet back to you. Take a current photo of each animal showing any distinguishing marks. Be sure each pet's shots are current, and know where records are for each animal.
• Monitor your pet's behavior. Animals can be easily frightened when stressed and may become aggressive or defensive in a disaster situation. Remember to put safety first: keep your pet in its carrier or crate, and watch for any changes in behavior. If you do take your pet outside, keep it on a leash. Give your pet extra reassurance and attention to help keep them calm.

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Nearly Half of Americans Won't Flee Without Fido

Flood waters may be approaching. Wild fires could be closing in. Yet 47 percent of Americans surveyed would refuse rescue assistance if it meant leaving without their family pet.

The statistic is perhaps the most eye-opening finding in a new study from the American Humane Association that sought to gauge the strength of the human-animal bond and public attitudes toward the rescue of animals during times of crisis.

The study also found that nearly three out of four people surveyed (72 percent) agree that there should be formal evacuation plans for pets. Not surprisingly, the support for formal disaster plans for pets and companion animals was strongest in the South (74 percent) and West (76 percent), areas most closely associated with hurricanes and wildfires.

"After Hurricane Katrina, American Humane and other groups rescued nearly 10,000 animals," says Marie Belew Wheatley, president and CEO of American Humane. "We have been first-hand witnesses to the power of the animal-human bond since our founding in 1877, but there's nothing more powerful than seeing a man or woman refuse rescue efforts because there is
not a rescue lined up for their family pet. This survey brings to light that rescue coordinators need to have plans in place for animal rescue. If they don't, more people could be left in harm's way."

The study surveyed 1,000 adults to gauge their attitudes and level of preparedness surrounding disasters. Areas of research included determining the public interest in formal evacuation plans for pets, policy surrounding ownership of pets that become lost in a disaster, and the steps people have taken to prepare their pet for a disaster.

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Survey of Hurricane Preparedness Finds One-Third On High Risk Coast Will Refuse Evacuation

According to a new survey of people in high-risk hurricane areas conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health Project on the Public and Biological Security, one-third (31%) of residents say if government officials said they had to evacuate due to a major hurricane this season, they would not leave. This is an increase from 2006 when 23% said they would not evacuate.

The survey was conducted in eight states—Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas—and only included residents of counties within 20 miles of the coast. The poll included a special sample of the New Orleans metropolitan area.

The top reasons people give for not evacuating involve issues of safety and security. Three-quarters (75%) say their home is well-built and they would be safe there. Over half (56%) feel that roads would be too crowded, and slightly more than one in three (36%) feels that evacuating would be dangerous. One-third (33%) worry that their possessions would be stolen or damaged while one in four (27%) say they would not evacuate because they do not want to leave their pets.

“Public officials need to be concerned that the further we get from the severe hurricanes of 2005, the less willing people are to evacuate,” says Robert Blendon, professor of health policy and political analysis at the Harvard School of Public Health. “Officials need to remind people that many homes are vulnerable to major storms. They also need to ensure safe evacuation routes are available and the public is aware of them.”

These findings are based on interviews conducted June 18 - July 10, with 5,046 adults in high hurricane risk counties in eight states.

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