Planning for the Worst: Emergency Preparations
Have you ever thought about what you would do if disaster struck? If you only had minutes to leave your home before it was engulfed in flame, what would you grab? You may get out with your family and you pets, but would you also have any necessary survival essentials? If you’ve never considered your pet in this type of situation, your answer may be no. Disasters strike when we least expect it, from floods to fires to tornados. Having a plan and being prepared will help to ensure you and your pets’ safety for future emergency situations.
Starting with your home, the first suggested addition to your front door or window is a Rescue Sticker. This sticker should be filled out to indicate how many animals of each species are present in the home. This helps rescue crews to properly search for and obtain your animals in a crisis. This is useful in times when you are not home when disaster has hit, or if you are not able to bring your pets during an evacuation. If you are fortunate enough to evacuate with your animals, don’t forget to mark that on your sticker before leaving your home, for an accurate representation to rescue crews. These are available online for free through the resources at ASPCA Disaster Preparedness.
In the event of an evacuation, try to keep your pets with you if at all possible. Check your local hotels and animal shelters for policies and services in the event of disaster. It is always best to know beforehand. Not all human shelters will allow pets, or they will require the animals to be kept separate from owners. Setting up a plan for different places that will house you and your pets, including family or friends nearby is recommended.
Identification on each of your animals should include a collar and tag with the pet and owners name and up to date contact information. Microchipping is highly recommended as a more stable form of identification as it is implanted permanently beneath your pet’s skin. This can be scanned when a pet is recovered to identify pet owner information and help aid in their return. Make sure to keep your pet indoors once a storm or crisis is discovered. This will prevent them from becoming confused, anxious, and even lost before evacuation is even possible.
An emergency kit full of essentials for each of your animals may be the single most overlooked and highly vital asset when disaster hits. Try to choose an easily assessable and easy to carry bag or container to carry these items in that you would be able to grab in a hurry. The ASPCA recommends several items for the kit including the following:
1) Pet first aid kit and user manual
2) Between 3-10 days worth of each pet’s food. Depending on their dietary needs and the amount of time you are estimated to be evacuated from your home.
3) Litter pans that are disposable (for cats) and litter
4) Soap and disinfectant
5) Trash bags
6) Pet food and water bowls-- collapsible are recommended for space efficiency
7) Extra harness, collar, and leash
8) Medical records in a water tight bag or container and any medications your pet requires
9) A weeks worth of bottled water per pet
10) Your pet’s carrier or travel bag. Make sure it has your pet and owner information written on it.
11) Blanket and flashlight
12) A photo of your pet that is up to date, for help in recovery if your pet is lost or separated from you during the crisis. It is recommended to have one with you and your pet as an unofficial proof of ownership also.
13) Cage liner (for dogs)
Another way to help plan ahead is prevention. Keep areas clean and free of debris to prevent any fire hazards. Exposed wiring and overheating electronics should be avoided. Getting your animals well socialized, especially with strangers will help their chances of rescue in a crisis. The less anxious or fearful they are in dealing with their rescuers, the smoother recovering them to you will be. You can also practice “fire drill” traveling with your pets. Getting them used to loading into the car or trailer on a regular basis will save time, and even their life, in an emergency situation.
Even if you don’t start your emergency kit as soon as you go home today, just thinking about it will help. Getting a plan in your mind will help the safety and survival of not only your family, but your family members that are of the furry pet variety!
