According to the National Weather Service, it is likely that we are going to be hit by a nasty hurricane named Irene.

How bad is it supposed to be? According to an article in Navy Times, “Norfolk-based ships were ordered Tuesday evening to prepare to sortie within 24 hours, 2nd Fleet announced.”

According to the Weather Service, Irene’s winds could reach 115mph. It’s heading our way from the Crooked and Acklinks Islands at 12 mph. Navy Times quoted 2nd Fleet commander Vice Adm. Daniel Holloway:

“Now is also a critical time for family readiness. Families should take this time in advance of a pending storm to review or make their plan and verify that their survival kits have everything that they will need if the hurricane makes landfall in Hampton Roads.”

That’s scary enough for humans, but absolutely terrifying for our pets that rely on us for their sustenance and shelter.

Come on Irene, don’t you know we just had a freaking earthquake in Hampton Roads?

Luckily PETA and The Humane Society have information on how you can help protect your pets, and how they can help.

Hurricane Irene (Pic | nhc.noaa.gov)

From PETA:

URGENT! PETA OFFERS RESIDENTS INFORMATION FOR SAFEGUARDING ANIMALS AS HURRICANE IRENE LOOMS

Group Warns Against Leaving Animals Behind to Fend for Themselves

Norfolk, Va. — As Hurricane Irene is a threat to Hampton Roads and since parts of the Outer Banks region is under a voluntary evacuation order, PETA is offering important advice for ensuring the safety of animal companions during flooding or evacuations. Please alert your audience to the following information, which could help save the lives of cats, dogs, birds, and other animal companions who need to be included in disaster preparation plans:

• During a flood, never leave your animals outdoors, tied up, or confined in any way, as they will be trapped and unable to flee rising waters.
• In the event of an evacuation, never leave your animals behind to fend for themselves.
• Know your destination ahead of time. Although human shelters often refuse animals, motels in the area will probably accept dogs, cats, and other small animals in an emergency. Do not plan to leave animals unsupervised in a car; they can suffer from heatstroke once ambient temperatures rise above 70 degrees, even if water is provided and the windows are slightly open.
• Place small animals in secure carriers and keep dogs leashed. Frightening sounds and unfamiliar surroundings may make them bolt. Take water and food bowls, your animal’s favorite toy or blanket, a towel, and enough food for at least a week.
• Have your animals microchipped, and put secure, legible ID tags on them.
• Watch for other animals in need, including strays and animals who are left behind by neighbors. If you see an animal in distress and are unable to help, note the animal’s condition and location and call authorities for help as soon as possible.

A copy of PETA’s disaster-preparedness public service announcement is available to link to or download here (for print) and here (for online).

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

From The Humane Society:

Residents in the Path of Hurricane Irene Urged to Take Pets with Them If Evacuating

Keep Them Safe (Pic | dogbitelaw.com)

The Humane Society of the United States reminds residents in the path of Hurricane Irene to take their pets with them if they evacuate. Hurricane Irene is currently in the Atlantic Ocean, and is expected to make landfall somewhere along the outer banks of North Carolina late Friday or early Saturday. Irene could hit the U.S. coast as a category two or higher hurricane, with the potential of causing severe wind damage and flooding in areas of North Carolina, South Carolina and areas of Virginia.

“It is crucial that residents are prepared to take pets with them if asked to evacuate in the face of this potentially destructive storm,” advised Laura Bevan, The HSUS’ Eastern regional director. “If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets.”

At this stage Irene’s power and trajectory could change, so residents in the potential areas of impact should stay up-to-date on the storm’s progress. Pet owners should have an emergency plan that includes the safety of their animals, and always be informed about the potential for evacuation in their area.

This emergency supply kit should include:

• Three-or-more-day supply of food in airtight, waterproof container, and drinking water.

• Bowls for food and water.

• Current photos and physical description of your pets, including details on markings.

• Medications, vaccination records and pet first aid supplies.

• Comfort items such as a toy and blanket.

• Small garbage bags.

• For dogs include: leash, harness and a sturdy carrier large enough to use as a sleeping area.

• For cats include: litter and litter box and a sturdy carrier large enough for transport.

Pet owners should be aware that many evacuation shelters do not accept pets, and they must plan their destination in advance. Hotels and motels may be willing to lift “no pet” restriction in an emergency. Friends and family members living outside the area may be able to provide shelter too. Please check with your local animal shelter or emergency management office to determine if a pet friendly emergency shelter will be set up in your location. Pet owners should remember that having your pet microchipped dramatically increases the chanced of reunion if that pet becomes lost.

More than 358 million pets reside in 63 percent of American households. A Zogby International poll found that 61 percent of pet owners will not evacuate if they cannot bring their pets with them.

For more tips on preparedness plans that include your pets, visit humanesociety.org/prepare.

The Humane Society of the United States is the nation’s largest animal protection organization — backed by 11 million Americans, or one of every 28. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the Web at humanesociety.org.