DATE:     8/23/00
CONTACT:  Dr. Venaye Reece, (803) 788-2260; vreece@clemson.edu
WRITER:   Tom Lollis, (803) 284-3343; tlollis@clemson.edu

Don't wait for hurricane to develop
evacuation plan for you and animals

     COLUMBIA -- Sooner or later South Carolinians living 
along the coast will face another evacuation because of an 
approaching hurricane.
     "Don't wait for it to show up before deciding how to 
deal with it," said Dr. Venaye Reece, veterinarian with 
Clemson University's Livestock/Poultry Health Programs and 
coordinator for the state's Animal Emergency Response Plan.
     "Develop your own personal evacuation plan now. Decide 
what you are going to do about your pets and large animals, 
if you own any," she said.
     Reece advises pet owners to take their animals with them 
in any evacuation situation, since kennels and veterinary 
clinics will be urged to evacuate in an emergency as well.
     Family and friends who live out of harm's way should 
be the first placeto look for emergency shelter. When those 
options are not available, a list of more than 200 pet friendly 
motels and hotels in the Carolinas and Georgia is available 
through local Clemson Extension Service offices, veterinarians 
and animal control officers.
     The list is also available at Clemson's Animal Emergency 
website: http://www.clemson.edu/ep. Brochures on emergency
recommendations for both pets and livestock and horses are 
available through the same offices.
     Pet owners will not be able to take their animals to Red 
Cross shelters. Newly formed county animal committees are 
compiling sheltering information for animal owners and making 
it available at Red Cross Shelters.  Maps, lists, and 
volunteer assistance may be provided.
     "Emphasis will be placed on locating nearby pet sheltering 
options for people arriving at Red Cross shelters with their 
pets, and assuring good communication with the chosen pet 
shelter for the owner's peace of mind and the pet's security," 
said Reece.
     Information on who can help transport large animals and 
where they may be relocated will be available through local 
S.C. Horsemen's Council representatives, the S.C. Cattlemen's
Association or the cattle breed associations.
     "An increasing number of people own exotic animals - such 
as cougars, snakes and exotic birds. Most public shelters 
and state agencies lack the expertise or facilities to provide 
full support for such exotic pets, according to Reece.
     "Owners of exotics will have to work together to plan 
for their animals and identify their shelter options," she 
said. 
     Reece said that proper identification is important for 
both pets and large animals. Identify pets with tags, 
microchips, tattoos or collars. On large animals use brands, 
ear tags, neck collars, tattoos or microchips. 
     "You can even paint your telephone number or name on 
cattle," she said.
     "Develop check lists of everything you will need in 
the event of an evacuation - from identification and medical 
records to food and bedding for your animals," Reece said. 
Also make sure carriers or horse/stock trailers are in good 
repair. 
     She pointed out that any emergency evacuation will be 
in two phases - voluntary and mandatory. Taking advantage 
of the voluntary phase will be very important, especially 
if someone has to make more than one trip to move large
animals.
                              END