After Hurricane Katrina, emergency teams rescued thousands of survivors; some were found clinging to pets while others were packing their animals and children in helicopter baskets to safety. Pets are family to many, who would rather put their own lives at risk than leave companions behind.

"When I watched Hurricane Katrina news coverage, I realized the importance of emergency planning on a personal and community level," said Honolulu resident Connie Clinton.

If Hawai'i's October 2006 earthquakes had been more severe (one registered magnitude 6.7), residents might have found themselves facing the difficult decision to leave a pet at home or risk family safety by bringing the animal with them.

Clinton, who has four cats, keeps an emergency kit for people and pets in her home as well as in each of her two cars. In addition, she attended an animal emergency training class and is certified in pet CPR.

In May 2006, Gov. Linda Lingle signed three bills into law that released $9 million for emergency preparedness. As a result, state disaster plans are identifying shelters for people and their animal companions, provided the pet is in a carrier or crate.

"Pet-friendly shelters offer a win-win for everyone," said Clinton. "Pet owners are less likely to disregard evacuation orders. Rescue workers can focus their efforts on helping people rather than finding abandoned pets. Best of all, the entire family will have a place to go to be safe and sheltered."

Hawai'i residents should prepare for natural disasters by creating an evacuation plan that includes pets. Preparations should be discussed with family members and written down, noting that the plan may change depending on the situation.

Assembling a Pet Disaster Kit will ensure that animal owners are quickly prepared for an emergency situation.

Pet Disaster Kits should include these essential supplies:

Animal crate: To enter an emergency shelter, your pet must be crated. Add identification tags to the crate.

If you do not have a crate, your pet will need to be kept in your vehicle, parked in a specially designated area close to the emergency shelter.

Food and water: Store a two-week supply in airtight, waterproof containers and replace every two months to ensure freshness.

The kit also should have first aid items and medication; forms of identification; and animal care supplies.

Plan ahead with a neighbor or friend to cover the possibility that you might not be home when disaster strikes.

Shelters are listed on the City & County of Honolulu's Department of Emergency Management Web site: www.honolulu.gov/ocda/shelter.htm.

ADOPTABLES

HILO

TAG NO. 07-8417

This tawny orange kitty was found wandering alone in a field, and brought to the shelter on April 26. As you would expect of a stray, Hilo is on the thin side. He has a tiny meow, a very dirty tail, and quite a sad look on his face right now. He needs to be "pam-purred" big time!

ANDRE

TAG NO. 07-3694

Andre came to us with some areas of hair loss, probably caused by poor nutrition. He was shy and timid at first, but is coming out of his shell nicely. Andre participates in the society's Behavior Program, and is being taught basic commands and good manners.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187.