Are You Prepared?
By Jane Koska
Did you know that September is Disaster Preparedness Month? This is a great time to take action to protect yourself and your pets. Being ready can reduce your stress and worry and make it easier to make decisions in the frantic time leading up to and during an emergency or disaster.
According to Ready.gov, the federal government’s comprehensive resource for preparing for disasters and emergencies, all of us should take the time to know what disasters and hazards could affect our area, how to get emergency alerts, and where we and our loved ones would go if we needed to evacuate. Each household should have an emergency plan. In addition, households with pets should make a pet plan, build a pet emergency kit, and know how to stay informed.
First, have a pet-friendly evacuation plan. Some public shelters and hotels may not allow pets inside. Decide on a safe place, maybe a friend’s or family member’s home, where you can take your pets if a disaster or emergency occurs. If you think you might have to travel far from home, you might even consider keeping a list of hotels and motels outside your immediate area that accept pets.
Develop a buddy system where you and neighbors, friends, and/or family members agree to care for or evacuate each other’s pets if the owner can’t. In addition to giving your buddy a key, tell them about your pets’ feeding schedule, medications, habits, etc., and show them where everything is located in your home.
Several things that pet owners should do routinely – having your pet microchipped, keeping them current on their vaccinations, and maintaining medical records – are even more important in the event of an emergency. Having your pet microchipped increases your chances of being reunited if they get lost or if you’re separated. Make sure the microchip registration is in your name, keep your address and phone number up-to-date, and include an emergency contact outside of your immediate area. In addition, dogs should wear collars with up-to-date ID tags, including your cell phone number. Not all cats will wear collars, but if yours does, the same recommendation applies.
Nobody likes paperwork, but pulling together your pets’ documents is a great idea, whether in hard copy or electronically. Make sure all your pets are current on their vaccines and have copies of those records handy. Some of the shelters, rescues, hotels, clinics and boarding kennels that might temporarily house pets during disasters will require vaccination records. While you’re pulling that info together, jot down your pets’ feeding schedules, medical conditions, and behavioral issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian. Finally, include photos of your pet and of you and your pet together; if you become separated from your pet during an emergency, the photos can help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
It goes without saying that during any emergency, you’ll need to keep your pets under control at all times. To ensure your pets can’t escape, make sure you have easy access to sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers or crates. Because your pet might have to stay in their carrier for hours at a time, the carrier should be large enough that they can stand comfortably, turn around, and lie down.
The second key part of being prepared is to build a pet emergency kit; this is in addition to the emergency kit you have for your household’s human members, as described on Ready.gov. Remember to review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially food and medicines, are fresh.
Obviously, food and water are most important components. It’s recommended that your kit has five days’ worth of food for each of your pets. If you’re including kibble, be sure it’s in an airtight and waterproof container. The amount of bottled water you have in your pet’s emergency kit will vary depending on the type and size of your pet, but plan to have several day’s supply. And don’t forget bowls for food and water.
All pets have sanitation needs. Your kit should include whatever’s appropriate for your pet: cat litter, litter box, and litter scoop; “poop bags”; garbage bags; “pee pads”; paper towels; and a disinfecting spray.
You’ll want to include a copy of the information you pulled together during your planning: registration, medical records, info on your pet’s feeding schedule and medical conditions, your vet’s name and number, and photos of your pet and the two of you together. It’s recommended you put these items in a waterproof container, along with a supply of any medicines your pet takes on a regular basis.
And last, put some familiar items in your emergency kit, like one of your pet’s favorite toys, some treats, and a familiar blanket or bedding. You and your pet will be in a stressful situation, and having a few reminders of home can help reduce stress for your pet.
Emergency plans and emergency kits are important tools to safeguard people and pets. And Ready.gov recommends one more thing: stay informed about current conditions. Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts sent by state and local public safety officials for local alerts and warnings. Get weather alerts through the FEMA app, NOAA Weather Radio, and your smart speaker. Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place and respond ASAP.
About the Author: Jane Koska is a well-organized person who recently realized, thanks to a boil water advisory in her neighborhood, that she isn’t all that well-prepared. Her two cats heartily endorse including lots of treats in their emergency kit.
Resources:
Prepare Your Pets for Disasters – Ready.gov
Prepare Your Pets for Disasters Brochure (PDF) – Ready.gov
Pet Disaster Preparedness – Humane Society of the United States
Save the Whole Family (PDF) – preparedness guide from AVMA
About Emergency Alerts – Ready.gov