Post Storm: Beware of Dogs

Any dog that is loose may be lost, frightened, or hurt --- and more likely to bite. Even dogs that usually are friendly may bite, if they are scared or hurt.

To avoid being bitten by a dog:

• Do not walk up to or call a dog you do not know.

• Do not feed or pet a dog you do not know.

• Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.

• If a strange dog walks toward you, stay calm.

• Do not run from a dog and scream – be “still like a tree.”

• Do not make eye-to-eye contact with a dog.

• If you fall or are knocked to the ground by a dog, curl into a ball with your hands over  your head and neck. Protect your face. Try to stay still and do not scream. 

If you are bitten by a dog:

• Call 911 if emergency help is needed.

• Call and notify management.

• Take care of the bite wound:

     -- Before treating the wound, wash your hands with soap and clean water.
     -- Remove any item that is in the way of caring for the wound.
     -- Put pressure on the wound with a clean cloth to spot bleeding.
     -- After the bleeding has stopped, pour bottled or clean running water over the wound.
     -- Gently clean around the wound with soap and clean water.
     -- Pat dry and use an adhesive bandage or dry clean cloth to cover the wound.
     -- Leave unclean wounds open.

• Report the bite to your local animal control agency. Tell the animal control official everything you know about the dog and where it went.