I
Nobody likes to think about disasters, but if and when one happens you need to
be prepared -- not only for yourself and your human family, but also for your
pets.
Pets are members of the family, too, and they rely on you to prepare and care
for them in case of an emergency. You need to plan for both evacuation and if
you need to remain in your home.
Evacuating Your Home
When disaster strikes and you need to immediately leave your home, don't
forget your pets! Leaving them behind is unsafe and cruel.
Do the following to secure a safe place for your pets BEFORE an emergency:
Call hotels and motels outside your immediate area and ask about their policies
on accepting pets during an emergency.
Keep a list of several pet-friendly places, their addresses and phone numbers.
Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians that could shelter your pets in
an emergency.
Ask friends and relatives outside the area if they could shelter your pets.
Call local animal shelters to see if they provide emergency shelter or foster
care for pets in an emergency.
Assemble a portable pet disaster kit that includes:
All of your pets' medical records, current photos and medications stored in a
waterproof container
A pet first-aid kit
Sturdy leashes, collars and transport carriers for all of your pets, and some
extras to help rescue pets in need along the way
Food, bowls, litter pans and can openers
Written information on feeding schedules, medical problems, behavioral habits
and the full information on your veterinarian
Pets toys and blankets
Be Prepared
Make sure all of your pets have current ID tags.
Have extra cash placed safely away.
Know which radio stations to listen to if disaster strikes, and have fresh
batteries in your radio.
Have phone numbers to local police and fire stations.
Maintain a near full tank of gas.
Remaining In Your Home
Remember, even pets that appear calm startle easily in distress, so be careful
that they don't escape.
Again, make sure all pets have current ID tags on.
Move cages away from windows and objects that could fall on them.
If confining your pets, make sure the room is pet-proofed (i.e., no sharp objects,
electrical cords, poisons) so they don't harm themselves.
Move cages/beds away from windows and objects that could fall on them.
Have a written plan and distribute several copies of it so everyone knows what
to do and you don't forget anything.
Go over your disaster plan with all the family members and make sure
everyone knows where the disaster kit is located, etc.
Call ahead to your veterinarian and make sure you have enough of any
medications your pet is currently taking.
Stock up on essentials.
Have a two-week supply of the following for your pets:
Drinking water
Pet food
Any medication pet is on
Litter
Being prepared for a disaster can save your pets lives. Take the time NOW to
be prepared in case disaster strikes. Planning ahead of time will greatly
minimize an already immensely stressful situation. And remember animals will
panic during highly unfamiliar situations so try to stay calm and go slow with
your pets. Hopefully you will never have to use your plan, but it's best to be
prepared!
Side Tip:
Carry an "In case of emergency" card in your wallet that tells who to call in
case you are injured, and to notify your emergency contact to care for your
pets stranded at home.
Nobody likes to think about disasters, but if and when one happens you need to
be prepared -- not only for yourself and your human family, but also for your
pets.
Pets are members of the family, too, and they rely on you to prepare and care
for them in case of an emergency. You need to plan for both evacuation and if
you need to remain in your home.
Evacuating Your Home
When disaster strikes and you need to immediately leave your home, don't
forget your pets! Leaving them behind is unsafe and cruel.
Do the following to secure a safe place for your pets BEFORE an emergency:
Call hotels and motels outside your immediate area and ask about their policies
on accepting pets during an emergency.
Keep a list of several pet-friendly places, their addresses and phone numbers.
Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians that could shelter your pets in
an emergency.
Ask friends and relatives outside the area if they could shelter your pets.
Call local animal shelters to see if they provide emergency shelter or foster
care for pets in an emergency.
Assemble a portable pet disaster kit that includes:
All of your pets' medical records, current photos and medications stored in a
waterproof container
A pet first-aid kit
Sturdy leashes, collars and transport carriers for all of your pets, and some
extras to help rescue pets in need along the way
Food, bowls, litter pans and can openers
Written information on feeding schedules, medical problems, behavioral habits
and the full information on your veterinarian
Pets toys and blankets
Be Prepared
Make sure all of your pets have current ID tags.
Have extra cash placed safely away.
Know which radio stations to listen to if disaster strikes, and have fresh
batteries in your radio.
Have phone numbers to local police and fire stations.
Maintain a near full tank of gas.
Remaining In Your Home
Remember, even pets that appear calm startle easily in distress, so be careful
that they don't escape.
Again, make sure all pets have current ID tags on.
Move cages away from windows and objects that could fall on them.
If confining your pets, make sure the room is pet-proofed (i.e., no sharp objects,
electrical cords, poisons) so they don't harm themselves.
Move cages/beds away from windows and objects that could fall on them.
Have a written plan and distribute several copies of it so everyone knows what
to do and you don't forget anything.
Go over your disaster plan with all the family members and make sure
everyone knows where the disaster kit is located, etc.
Call ahead to your veterinarian and make sure you have enough of any
medications your pet is currently taking.
Stock up on essentials.
Have a two-week supply of the following for your pets:
Drinking water
Pet food
Any medication pet is on
Litter
Being prepared for a disaster can save your pets lives. Take the time NOW to
be prepared in case disaster strikes. Planning ahead of time will greatly
minimize an already immensely stressful situation. And remember animals will
panic during highly unfamiliar situations so try to stay calm and go slow with
your pets. Hopefully you will never have to use your plan, but it's best to be
prepared!
Side Tip:
Carry an "In case of emergency" card in your wallet that tells who to call in
case you are injured, and to notify your emergency contact to care for your
pets stranded at home.
| Include Pets In Disaster Plans Having A Disaster Plan For Your Pet Is Essential By Dr. Karen Halligan UPDATED: 8:28 a.m. EST September 16, 2003 |
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