5 Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe After A Flood

​As pet owners begin returning to homes in some of the areas hit hardest by the floods, pet owners must stay vigilant and proactive even after their homes have been deemed safe for reentry.

In fact, during the worst part of the flooding, pets, and animals were often left behind because people were forced to evacuate immediately.

Here are 5 ways to keep your pet safe after a flood.

Make Sure Water Sources Are Clean
Your pets are drinking water, and if it has high enough amounts of certain toxic elements or organisms, they could get sick. Just like people, animals can fall ill from contaminated water sources. It is recommended that you clean the water source around your house.

Keep Hazards Off Your Property
If your pet has been displaced due to storm damage, take the time to ensure your property is not a safety concern before moving your pet back inside. You may have an open gutter or loose shingles and not even know it. 

Get up on ladders and check for potential dangers, such as wires hanging down from a damaged structure after the storm. Check attics, crawl spaces, basements, and other concealed spaces to be safe.

Keep Your Pets Leashed
After a flood, it can wash familiar smells away. You need to make it a point to have a leash for them every time you leave or open your doors. It can avoid confusion and help prevent accidents.

Pets tend to be highly confused and disoriented after a disaster. They might run off in a panic and get lost or hurt.

Monitor Your Pets Consistently
As a precaution, monitor your pets over the next few days. If you notice any injuries they've suffered — such as lacerations — then make sure they're taken to the vet. If the injuries are too severe, it may be best to put your pet down.

Update Disaster Packs for Pets
Are your emergency plans for pets as good as they could be? If you've already made plans for yourself, your family, and your home, it's time to think about your pet. We all hope we never need to use our emergency kits, but it'll pay to have a properly stocked one when you do.

Plan for your pet's safety during emergencies by updating your first aid kit and creating an emergency preparedness kit for your pet. 

Conclusion 
If you have a pet, you already know how special it is to have a member of your family that depends on you. A pet can make you feel wanted, loved, and needed in a way that no one else can. As a responsible pet parent, you'll make every effort to keep your pets with you before, during, and after a major calamity.

At Leigh Insurance Agency, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays, and we're here to help you out. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (904) 826-0799. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE.  Any coverage discussed is not guaranteed. Please contact us today to go over your policy to ensure your needs are met! We are here and happy to help.