As Hurricane Irma approaches southeastern US, here are some helpful tips

As Hurricane Irma tracks toward the southeastern United States, here are some tips on what to do with pets, how to get up to date information and some precautions to take.

S.C. DOT Resource Page

The S.C. Department of Transportation has created a Hurricane Irma information page on the agency’s website., http://www.dot.state.sc.us.

The page includes evacuation route information, a link to the S.C. Hurricane Guide, an interactive map of road conditions and closings, storm reports and important contact information for state response agencies.

What to do with pets

The ASPCA, or American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, urges residents to take their pets with them in the case of an evacuation.

Owners should never leave pets behind or tether them to poles or trees, which prevents them from escaping rising waters, the ASPCA reports.

Other precautions pet owners should take include:

▪ Make sure all pets are wearing ID tags with up-to-date information. Micro-chipping pets provides a permanent form of identification.

▪ Create a portable pet emergency kit with medical records, water, water bowls, pet food and medications

▪ Choose a designated caregiver outside of the evacuation zone for the pets should you become unable to care for them

ASPCA offers a free mobile app for pet owners to store cucial pet records needed for boarding them at evacuation shelters.

Move cars to high ground

AAA Carolinas, an affiliate of the American Automobile Association, is urging residents to move their cars to higher ground in case of flooding.

More than 50 percent of Carolinians have auto insurance policies that do not cover flood damage, AAA Carolinas reports.

AAA recommends car owners:

▪ Locate higher ground near your home and park your car there.

▪ Find a deck or garage that offers cover to protect your car from wind damage.

▪ Avoid leaving your car under power lines or trees.

▪ Make sure there are proper documentation and insurance papers stored in your car (preferably in a zip lock bag or waterproof location).

▪ Use flood covers. There are many waterproof flood covers you can purchase from auto part stores that have shown good results in protecting cars from water damage.

Supplies

Along with flashlights, batteries, first aid kit and other emergency supplies, you should also have enough non-perishable food and water for yourself, your family and your pets.

Check out a list of recommended supplies on The Herald’s website., www.heraldonline.com

This story was originally published September 7, 2017 at 6:08 PM with the headline "As Hurricane Irma approaches southeastern US, here are some helpful tips."