Taking care of your animals during bushfire
January 13th 2009 07:38
With the first hint of bushfires this summer, I thought I would hunt around for some advice.
I started locally with NSW Fire Brigades http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au
Pets
Dogs, cats, pet birds etc which can be transported easily should be taken to safe areas well before any bushfire activity. Animals can experience great stress if subjected to the effects of fire. Even if the householder has chosen to remain with the home during a fire it is recommended that the pet is taken away to a safe place.
Aviary birds should also be taken from the area as injury can be caused by smoke. Perhaps a quick capture system can be devised where the birds are directed to one area of the aviary and confined for transport to a designated place.
As responsible pet owners we are accountable for their well being. This can be managed with a little foresight and planning.
Livestock
In situations where livestock cannot be transported easily, a paddock or area which provides the lowest amount of bush or grass fuels and the greatest protection from smoke should be allotted early in the fire season and maintained by grazing or slashing. The perimeter of the paddock should be either ploughed or graded to prevent the spread of fire into it. This area should be as close to the home as possible so that it can be monitored regularly and should have a dam and sprinkler system.
Of course the best form of protection is an effective evacuation plan. Where possible, livestock, especially horses should be transported to pre-allocated safe areas. This should be undertaken as soon as the bushfire threat is realised.
I think no matter where you are, if you are vulnerable to fire or other natural disasters, have a plan in place. Your animals are an important part of your family and if you have some emergency food stored in your home evacuation kit that will make it a little less stressful for them if you are evacuated.
Also in your kit have some rescue remedy, feeling vulnerable to the environment is not an exclusive human trait, so helping your animals with their stress levels will help keep them healthy through a difficult relocation.
A packet of chamomile tea is also a definite necessity in your disaster kit. My favourite blended tea bag is Natureland's Night Cup, it contains all the nice calming herbs I like and it helps keep me hydrated and my digestive system calm when I am distracted by a nasty around me. I keep an uptodate packet next to our 'shake and shine torches'.
The more you are planned for such events, the easier it will be to respond in the safest way possible for you and your animals.
I got this pic from Really Long Link Liverpool City Council and they have some really good information with fact sheets.
I started locally with NSW Fire Brigades http://www.fire.nsw.gov.au
Pets
Dogs, cats, pet birds etc which can be transported easily should be taken to safe areas well before any bushfire activity. Animals can experience great stress if subjected to the effects of fire. Even if the householder has chosen to remain with the home during a fire it is recommended that the pet is taken away to a safe place.
Aviary birds should also be taken from the area as injury can be caused by smoke. Perhaps a quick capture system can be devised where the birds are directed to one area of the aviary and confined for transport to a designated place.
As responsible pet owners we are accountable for their well being. This can be managed with a little foresight and planning.
Livestock
In situations where livestock cannot be transported easily, a paddock or area which provides the lowest amount of bush or grass fuels and the greatest protection from smoke should be allotted early in the fire season and maintained by grazing or slashing. The perimeter of the paddock should be either ploughed or graded to prevent the spread of fire into it. This area should be as close to the home as possible so that it can be monitored regularly and should have a dam and sprinkler system.
Of course the best form of protection is an effective evacuation plan. Where possible, livestock, especially horses should be transported to pre-allocated safe areas. This should be undertaken as soon as the bushfire threat is realised.
I think no matter where you are, if you are vulnerable to fire or other natural disasters, have a plan in place. Your animals are an important part of your family and if you have some emergency food stored in your home evacuation kit that will make it a little less stressful for them if you are evacuated.
Also in your kit have some rescue remedy, feeling vulnerable to the environment is not an exclusive human trait, so helping your animals with their stress levels will help keep them healthy through a difficult relocation.
A packet of chamomile tea is also a definite necessity in your disaster kit. My favourite blended tea bag is Natureland's Night Cup, it contains all the nice calming herbs I like and it helps keep me hydrated and my digestive system calm when I am distracted by a nasty around me. I keep an uptodate packet next to our 'shake and shine torches'.
The more you are planned for such events, the easier it will be to respond in the safest way possible for you and your animals.
I got this pic from Really Long Link Liverpool City Council and they have some really good information with fact sheets.
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