As we wrap up the “Get Ready; Stay Ready” campaign for 2015, our focus shifts to those little furry companions at home that bring us so much joy: our pets. Whether you are a cat lover, dog lover or any other type of animal lover you probably understand that pets are a vulnerable population when it comes to disasters for a number of reasons: 1) you cannot explain to them (well, most ) what has occurred, 2) they are hypersensitive to their environment, 3) most animals are frightened easily and 4) first responders are not going to risk their life to save your pet to the extent that they would for a human life. Understanding these vulnerable attributes, the majority of pet owners consider their pet’s part of the family and willing to go to all reasonable lengths to keep them safe. Therefore, it is important that we treat them as other members of the family and include them in our emergency planning efforts. Let’s begin by taking a look at the suggested list of emergency supplies below that should be acquired for your pets:
• 3 – 7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans work well)
• Litter or paper toweling
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
• Disposable garbage bags for clean up
• Pet feeding dishes
• Extra harness, leash and yard stake
• Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two week supply of any medicine your pet needs
• Bottled water, at least 72 hour supply for each pet
• A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
• Blanket for picking up a fearful pet
• Recent photos of your pet (in case you are separated)
• Toys, bones, etc.
Keep in mind that the checklist above is no different than any other emergency supply checklist in that there is no “one size fits all” approach to emergency planning for the family. Like our two-legged family members, our four-legged family members have unique needs as well that should be considered when planning for their preparedness.
Some other recommended actions include:
• Keeping your pet’s ID tags up-to-date with current contact information
• Consider microchipping your pet (if possible) if you have not done so already
• Identify a friend or neighbor that would be willing to take care of your pet in the event you were temporarily displaced from your home or neighborhood
• Identify community pet shelters, board and care facilities, or any other resource that you might be able to utilize for your pet’s well-being in the event of a disaster
• Identify which motels/hotels in your city are pet friendly in the event that you were temporarily displaced from your home
Lastly, be sure to post a sign on the inside of your window that reads “Animals Inside.” Make sure that it’s visible to rescue workers, and that it includes 1) the types and number of pets within your household, 2) the name of your veterinarian and 3) your veterinarian’s phone number. To obtain one of these signs and for more really good information about pet preparedness visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) @ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness or http://www.ready.gov/animals
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