Hopefully you will never experience a fire destroying your home, yet you plan ahead -- install fire alarms, smoke detectors and purchase insurance. You certainly hope never to be involved in a car accident, but you have airbags and wear a seat belt (and should safely restrain your dog as well). Being prepared makes sense as we can minimize potential injury to those we love. However, most people are not prepared for a major disaster. “Be Prepared” works for the Scouts, and it’s a motto we should carry into our adult lives. Planning ahead is the best way to keep yourself and your dog safe.
At The Very Least
- Place a Pet Alert Sticker near you front door recording how many and what type of animals live there. If you aren‘t home when tragedy strikes, trained professionals will seek out and help your pets.
- Designate a Pre-Arranged Meeting Place for your family and identify several Places That Can Take Your Pets. Red Cross Shelters do not permit pets, so organizations like the Surf City Animal Response Team, United Animal Nations, American Humane Association, Noah’s Wish and the Humane Society of the United States are working hard to train communities to set-up temporary animal shelters, but it could still be days before these facilities are in place. Making arrangements ahead of time with out-of-town friends and relatives is your best bet, but have a “Plan B.” Susan Keyes, President of the Surf City Animal Response Team says, “Long-term housing and care for pets is the area we have found people to be least prepared.” Check with pet day care and boarding facilities as well as your Veterinarian to see if they will accommodate during a disaster. Compile a list of hotels where pets are welcome and set aside one credit card just for emergency use. It’s also a good idea to have cash (in bills smaller than 20s) easily accessible as ATM Machines will not be working.
- Stash the following for each pet in an easy-to-carry backpack or crate (that way you’ll have the carrier to evacuate in):
- A two-week supply of food stored in an airtight container and a manual can opener if needed; water (for medium to large dogs, one gallon per day); medication. Remember to exchange these items regularly so they are fresh when needed.
- A water-proof container with vaccination & micro-chipping records and photos of your pet with your family as proof of ownership.
- Treats, toys, bedding, food & water dishes; Collars/harnesses and leashes; Litter, scoop & boxes for kitties; specialty items for pocket pets, birds, reptiles and amphibians; Disinfectant for cleaning crates, paper towels, flashlight with batteries, zip ties, garbage bags and a well-stocked Pet First-Aid Kit.
Don't Forget The Two-Legged Family Members
Also remember to keep a stash of food and other items for the humans including a battery or solar-powered radio, rubber-soled shoes and a flashlight near your bed so that you can help your pets and stay safe! A good place to check for human supplies is Earthquake Solutions.
Preparing for the worst may just prevent the worst from happening!
Denise Fleck - A former film studio publicist, Denise Fleck founded Sunny-dog Ink in 1999 to Help People Help Their Pets! In addition to being an Animal ...
