We are gearing up with tips and advice to be prepared when disaster strikes. Anything can happen in a blink of an eye. A fire could start; an earthquake could rumble; a tornado might pass through. A lot can happen when we are the least prepared. Not only should humans have their own preparedness supplies at the ready, but pets and animals need their own as well. Follow along with these animal disaster preparedness tips.
Animal disaster preparedness tip #1
Identification. Each and every pet needs to wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification information. This is in case they are lost, stolen, or found during a time of a disaster. Make sure their ID tag has their name, a telephone number to contact, and any urgent medical needs to be aware of. NOTE: write all that same information on their carrier too.
Animal disaster preparedness tip #2
Microchipping. For added defense, microchipping will help in case your pet’s collar is ever slipped off of them. ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet. A microchip can be read by a scanner at most animal shelters so when your pet is found and taken to a shelter, they are most likely to be reunited with their family. NOTE: most veterinarian offices can look up the microchip as well.
Animal disaster preparedness tip #3
Listen Out. If you are checking the weather report and listening for alarms, then you know that you need to keep inside. Same goes for pets. Pets should be brought inside somewhere safe. There are chances where pets do not know what is going on and may get scared and run off. To prevent that, prepare an area indoors where they are allowed and are comfortable in times of disasters.
Animal disaster preparedness tip #4
Pack an Emergency Kit. Keep that close to the exit door in case of a quick escape. It should have such things as a first aid kit, extra leashes, and waters. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is, and that it clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your “Evac-Pack” include:
Animal disaster preparedness tip #5
Use a Rescue Alert Sticker. This type of sticker is meant to let people know that there are pets inside the home. So when rescue workers inspect the home, they will be notified that there are pets needing to be saved. The best place to have the sticker is near your front door. Include the type of pet, how many pets, the breed of the pet, their name, and a number of your veterinarian. Write “EVACUATED” across the stickers if you had successfully escaped with your pets.
Animal disaster preparedness tip #6
Have a Safe Place. Remember that not all shelters accept pets. In the event of an evacuation, make sure to have an arrangement beforehand. You can contact your veterinarian’s office for a list of local boarding areas that can take your pets. Sometimes animal shelters may be able to care for pets during emergencies. Call and ask your local shelters for more information. Even reliable friends and family willing to care for your pets is considered a safe place for them. Make sure to arrange these havens before disaster happens.
Animal disaster preparedness tip #7
Relax and Calm Pets After an Emergency. Sometimes, a pet’s behavior could change in an instant. You need to keep an eye on your pet’s actions and reactions during the disaster and after. Make sure they are not around any potential hazards to ensure the safety of other people and pets.
Animal disaster preparedness tip #8
Emergency Supply Kit. Check what your pet needs and what they cannot live without and place it in their emergency supply kit. Here are some supplies that are common for an emergency kit. You may add all, but not limited to these items:
- Pet first-aid kit with guidebook
- 3-7 days’ worth of canned or dry food
- Disposable litter trays
- Litter or paper toweling
- Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
- Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
- Pet feeding dishes and water bowls
- Extra collar and/or harness with extra leash
- Photocopies and/or USB of medical records
- At least seven days’ worth of bottled water for each person and pet
- A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier
- Flashlight
- Blanket
- Recent photos of your pets
Hope this helps, from the Fire Hydrant Team