It’s easy to think that the worst things in life will happen to others and not us. The truth is that natural disasters can strike anywhere at any time.
Whether it is a tornado, severe thunderstorms, hurricanes, flooding, or earthquakes, natural disasters can impact anyone. Are you prepared?
If a natural disaster were to strike today would you have enough food and water for your family and your pets? It’s always better to be prepared and not need it, than to be in a situation where you are without the basics.
So, how does one prepare? Here are a few suggestions and websites that can make it easier for you to be prepared for your family and pets.
- Create an emergency plan with your family and a buddy system with your neighbors if you are unable to get home to your pets. (Never leave an animal chained in the outdoors!)
- Buy a plastic tub or container that you can seal – place all items and seal with date and check every 6 months.
- Be sure you have a collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash for your pet(s). Also have a crate or carrier too.
- Buy bottled water, enough to last your family and pets for a minimum of 3 days.
- Buy non perishables and extra pet food that you can store to last for a minimum of 3 days.
- Include a first aid kit, blankets, flashlights and batteries and a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station. Monitor TV, radio, and follow mobile alerts and mobile warnings about severe weather in your area.
- Include any prescription medicines for family or pets.
- Make sure you have supplies for pet sanitation: potty pads, trash bags, paper towels, bleach, extra litter pan and litter.
- Keep a list of pet-friendly shelters or hotels and veterinary clinics in case you have to board your pets. Provide emergency contact information for family and friends.
- Pack a change of clothes along with toiletries, baby wipes etc.
Should an emergency strike, safety for all should be your first priority. Being prepared will allow you to follow your emergency plan. Below are a few great resources and a disaster planning brochure to help you get your plan and emergency kit started.
https://www.cdc.gov/features/petsanddisasters/index.html
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness
https://www.fema.gov/helping-pets
https://www.avma.org/public/EmergencyCare/Pages/Basic-Pet-First-Aid-Procedures.aspx