None of us wants to think that an emergency situation will arise in our lives. Yet the last few years of news headlines show weather disasters occurring with an unusual frequency around the US.
So, as they say, “Better safe than sorry.” As many of us consider our pets as part of the family, our emergency preparation will need to include plans for our furry family members.
It is recommended to have supplies to survive for at least 3 days. There should be two sets of supplies – one for remaining at your home and another, smaller kit which could be transported.
The supplies necessary for our pets include food, water, medicine and supplies, a first aid kit, collars with id tags, leashes and harnesses, a crate or pet carrier, and sanitation supplies ( poop bags, larger plastic trash bags, cat litter, litterbox and cleaners for messes made). You should also include a picture of you and the pet in case you get separated and, if possible, favorite toys or blankets to ease the stress on the pet.
The first aid kit should contain bandage supplies, tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment, alcohol and saline solutions, latex gloves and a copy of a pet first aid book.
Develop a plan for an emergency situation. In some situations, you will receive guidance by local authorities regarding whether you evacuate or stay put. Listen to the television, radio, or through your smartphone for relevant instructions. Ask yourself where you would go if you needed to evacuate. Would the pets be welcome at the next location? Some shelters for people will not allow pets. Find out if your local veterinarian would be able to take animals in such an emergency. Ask local boarding facilities if they are prepared to take in animals in such a situation.
You should also contact area animal shelters, local Humane Societies, and the local SPCA to obtain information as to their role in providing areas of shelter during emergencies. Keep a list of their phone numbers in your emergency supply kit as well as with you.
Should fire occur, it will help the firefighters if you place a “Pets Inside” sticker on a window or door. Put your emergency contact information on the sticker. Should you evacuate the premises with your pet, leave that information as well.
Discuss with your neighbors a plan to evacuate your animals if you are not home. Show them your emergency kit and a way to enter your home. Plan a place to meet that neighbor after such an emergency occurs. You can rescue your pets from them at a later time.
The time you put into planning for an emergency will be well worth it should such a difficult event occur. For further information about emergency preparedness, visit www.ready.gov.