The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has advised the owners and carers of animals that it is their duty to plan for emergencies in order to keep the animals safe.
In a statement, DPIRD said that in the event of an emergency, it was advisable to act as soon as possible to minimise the risk to lives and property and to ensure ample time to respond to the welfare of animals.
“Animals may behave differently during emergency situations, and may become frightened and stressed, so a previously prepared emergency plan will help guide response activities,” the Department said.
“Where possible and safe, the preference is for animals to be evacuated to ensure their safety.”
Where it was not possible to evacuate animals in advance, or take them with you, it might be possible to relocate animals to safer areas within the property to minimise the potential harm.
“As an owner or carer of animals, it is important you are aware of the risks to your animals and your property and that you keep updated during high risk periods. The best way to keep up to date is to seek information from a variety of sources,” the Department said.
“Emergency WA is the primary location of emergency information for Western Australia,” it said.
“It includes information on fires, floods, storms, earthquakes, tsunamis, hazardous material incidents and traffic crashes.”
