DATE:     8/25/98
CONTACT:  Venaye Reece, office (803) 788-2260 
          or pager (800) 402-5134
          email:  vreece@clemson.edu
WRITER:   Debbie Dalhouse, (864) 656-0937
          email:  ddalhou@clemson.edu

Statewide Evacuation Plan For Animals

     CLEMSON - Animal owners who may have to evacuate their homes
are urged to make appropriate arrangements for their pets,
livestock and horses. A statewide network has been established to
help with these arrangements, coordinated by Clemson University's
Livestock-Poultry Health Programs.
     "The best arrangement you can make is to take your pet with
you," said Dr. Venaye Reece, a Clemson veterinarian and statewide
director of the animal emergency preparedness program.
     If you are taking your pets with you, then gather
necessities, such as carrying cages, medications and food, and
first aid supplies, such as hydrogen peroxide and a tranquilizer
if needed. Take the pet with you to family, friends or a kennel
in the location where you will be staying during the evacuation.
     "Use pet shelters in your county of destination only if
absolutely necessary," Reece said. "Shelter space is limited, and
may be needed for true emergencies, such as injured or lost pets
or pets of the elderly or disabled."
     If you must leave your pets behind, Reece urged the
following precautions:
     * Be sure your pets are in a secure fence or home, with
several days of food and water within reach.
     * Be sure your pets have a path to a high place in the yard
or home, so they have maximum escape from flood or surge waters.
     * Be sure your pet has secure identification, either a
collar and tag, or painted or waterproof marker of your phone
number (include area code). Add name and address, if possible.
     * Realize, that if you leave your pet, you may not be able
to return for a number of days. This increases the chances of
complications, such as an injured or lost pet, and increases the
difficulties for emergency personnel who must come into the area
for damage assessment or emergency response.
     * Carry proof of ownership, photos, and medical records with
you to help reunite you with your pet in case of extended
separation.
     Precautions for livestock and horses during an emergency:
     * Review your property, checking for wind and rain
protection, flood risk areas, security fencing, debris that could
be blown by high winds.
     * Maintain communication with at least one person who will
know where you and your animals will be.
     * Mark your animals with clear identification - microchips,
tattoos, legbands or spray paint/permanent marker with your
telephone number.
     * Maintain permanent health and identification records in a
safe place. Take them with you if you evacuate.
     * Leave 48 - 72 hours of water and feed for animals left
behind.
     * Know who can transport animals if necessary and where they
can be relocated during an emergency.
     * Find out if anyone nearby has equipment which may be
shared, such as trailers, generators, water tanks or portable
pens.
     For detailed information on pet evacuation procedures,
contact your local veterinarian or animal shelter. A list of
pet-friendly hotels and motels is available from the South
Carolina Animal Care and Control Association, (803) 776-7387, and
the South Carolina Association of Veterinarians, (803) 366-8188
or (803) 359-1933.
     For detailed information on livestock and horse evacuation
procedures, contact the Clemson University Cooperative Extension
office in each county, the South Carolina Horsemen's Council,
(803) 734-2187, or the Clemson Livestock-Poultry Health Programs,
(803) 788-2260. Stabling information is available through the
S.C. Horseman's Council and Clemson Livestock-Poultry Health
Programs.
     A web page with detailed information on the animal emergency
preparedness program is:  www.cgs.clemson.edu/disaster.htm
                              END