pets

One of the realities of living in paradise is the occasional natural disaster. Here’s a quick Q&A on how to deal with an emergency.

What should I do when I hear the Civil Defense sirens?

Civil Defense sirens are tested each month at 11:45 a.m. on the first working day of each month. If you hear the Civil Defense siren, turn on your radio to one of the following local radio stations for information:

KMVI-AM 550/FM 98.3 KNUI-AM 900/FM 99.9 KAOI-AM 1110/FM 95.1/FM 96.7 (upcountry) KLHI-FM 101.1 (west Maui) KPOA-FM 93.5 (west Maui) KMMK-FM 102.3 KDLX-FM 94.3 KNUQ-FM 103.3 or 103.7 KONI-FM 104.7 KPMW-FM 105.5

After turning on your radio, listen for emergency information and instructions. Take the necessary protective actions as directed and keep tuned for further information and instructions.

What is the difference between a WATCH and a WARNING?

A “watch” is an official announcement that a hazardous condition may be a serious threat to life and property within a particular time. “WATCH” status means you should GET READY and LISTEN to your radio or television for further instructions.

A “WARNING” is an official announcement that hazardous, life-threatening conditions are about to occur or are occurring. “WARNING” status means you should TAKE ACTION.

Should I evacuate or stay where I am?

Information about which areas should be evacuated will be broadcast over the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on your radio or local TV. Evacuation instructions are issued with your safety in mind. Compliance is voluntary, but orders are given only in the most serious of circumstances.

If your area is advised to evacuate and you are unable to do so, immediately inform the authorities of your situation. If you area is not advised to evacuate, you may still report to the designated shelter closest to your location.

What should I do to protect my pets/animals?

Make advanced preparations to ensure the safety of your pets:

1. FOOD: Keep at least two weeks of food in an airtight, waterproof container. Dry food has a shelf life, so rotate periodically.

2. WATER: Store at least two weeks of water specifically for your pets in addition to water you need for yourself and family.

3. MEDICINE: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.

4. FIRST AID KIT: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.

5. COLLAR with ID TAG, HARNESS or LEASH: Your pet should wear a collar with its identification at all times. Permanent methods of identification like microchips or tattooing should be used.

6. CRATE/PET CARRIER: If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation, take your pets and animals with you – provided it is practical to do so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down. Help your dog get accustomed to the crate by using it from time to time. Don’t wait until emotions and stress are high due to an emergency situation to introduce your pet to the carrier or crate.

7. FAMILIAR ITEMS: Put favorite toys, treats, or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

For further information, go to the Maui Humane Society website at www.mauihumanesociety.org.

Where is the nearest evacuation shelter/emergency shelter?

The opening of shelters will be announced over radio and local television stations. The shelters may not be opened immediately, so listen to the radio for specific shelter openings. Go to the nearest open shelter.

Where do I evacuate?

Go to an area 50 feet above sea level, if possible. If you don’t have time to travel to high ground, but are in a multi-story building, go to an upper level of the home or building. If you are on the beach and unable to get to high ground go inland as far as you can. The tsunami evacuation maps found in the Verizon Telephone Book illustrates the primary evacuation routes. Take your disaster supply kit with you, if possible.

Shelters will be opened as needed. Listen to your radio for details. Pets are NOT allowed at emergency shelters so please plan ahead for their safety

http://www.mauiinformationguide.com/tsunami-evacuation-routes.php

When traveling with pets on your Maui vacation, the State of Hawaii follows some strict guidelines backed up by its Animal Quarantine Laws to continue keeping the islands free of rabies. The following list is only a partial summary of these guidelines. Please see the links at the bottom of the page for the complete guidelines when traveling with pets to Maui.

1. All dogs and cats, regardless of age, must comply with Hawaii’s importation laws.

2. There is a 5-Day-Or-Less Program that must be followed in order for your pet to qualify for Direct Release.

3. If you are traveling with pets to Maui, you must first go through Honolulu International Airport in Oahu. Direct Release is only available at Honolulu International Airport. When your pet has been shown to have complied with the 5-Day-Or-Less Program rules and is eligible for Direct Release, you can then take your flight to Maui.

4. 5-Day-Or-Less Program includes two required rabies shots – the 1-year rabies vaccine not more than 12 months before entering Hawaii, and the 3-year rabies vaccine not more than 36 months before arriving in Hawaii. These two shots must be more than 90 days apart. The most recent vaccination must have occurred more than 90 days upon arrival in Hawaii. If the most recent vaccination occurred less than 90 days upon arrival, then the animal will be quarantined until the 90 days are completed.

5. Pets not meeting the strict 5-Day-Or-Less Program will be quarantined for up to 120 days upon arrival in Hawaii

6. Exceptions to the quarantine laws apply to only locations that have laws as strict or more strict than Hawaii (British Isles, Australia, Guam and New Zealand). These pets must have resided in one of these localities for at least six months and have complied with strict transportation guidelines.

7. Non-domestic dogs and cats are prohibited (e.g., wolf, wolf cross, et cetera).

8. The process to complete all preparations is lengthy so at minimum, puppies or kittens will be about 10 months old. If they don’t meet all of the requirements, they will be quarantined for up to 120 days.

9. If you are arriving on an international flight and traveling with pets, your pets will have to clear U.S. Customs (in addition to Hawaii’s 5-Day-Or-Less Program) before being released to you.

10. There is a $165 fee per pet that you must pay for Direct Release of your pet, or a $225 fee per pet for the 5-Day-Or-Less program.

11. For Guide Dogs and Service Dogs guidelines, please click here: Allowing Guide Dogs and Service Dogs to Enter Hawaii Without Quarantine

For a complete explanation of the 5-Day-Or-Less Program and Direct Release, please visit the following links at the State of Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture:Animal Quarantine Branch, Hawaii’s Animal Quarantine Laws and Checklist For 5-Day-Or-Less Program

Emergency Preparedness

Travelling with Pets

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