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Pets are part of your family. Include them in your family emergency plan. Your veterinarian can be of great assistance in establishing a plan that meets your pet’s unique requirements.
PREPARE
- Food: Keep a 3 to 7-day supply of food in an airtight, waterproof
container.
- Water: Store a 3 to 7 day supply of water in addition to water
you need for yourself and your family.
- First aid kit: Consult your veterinarian on the appropriate
supplies for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Examples: cotton
bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; alcohol and saline solution.
Include a pet first aid reference book.
- Identification: Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies
tag and identification at all times. Consider having your veterinarian
implant a microchip under your pet’s skin as a form of permanent
identification. The microchip number should be registered in a national
registry in order for you pet to be returned to you. Place copies of
your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination
documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container
and also add them to your kit.
- Crate or carrier: If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation
take your pets and animals with you provided that is practical to do
so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy,
safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet.
The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around
and lie down.
- Sanitation: Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate,
newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine
bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can use
bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach).
Bleach is neutralized by organic debris so clean the area before applying
the bleach solution. Wear disposable gloves to protect your skin.
PLAN
Listen to your portable radio or watch TV news, if it is available.
You maybe told to evacuate or shelter-in-place (stay where you are).
It may be necessary for you to evacuate your home. Plan how you will
assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go. If you go to a
public shelter, keep in mind your animals may not be allowed inside.
Secure appropriate lodging in advance depending on the number and type
of animals in your care. Find out before an emergency happens if your
pet can be sheltered at a boarding facility, veterinary hospital, relatives,
neighbors, etc.
STAY INFORMED
Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as
assembling an emergency supply kit for yourself, your family and your
pets, is the same regardless of the type of emergency, i.e. earthquake,
wild fires, mudslides, etc. However, it’s important to stay informed
about what might happen and know what types of emergencies are likely
to affect your region a well as emergency plans that have been established
by your state and local government.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
American Red Cross
Pets and Diaster: Be Prepared
http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare/0,1082,0_62_,00.html
American Veterinary Medical Association
Disaster Preparedness for Animals
http://www.avma.org/disaster/
Saving the Whole Family
http://www.avma.org/disaster/saving_family_brochure.pdf
Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management
Plan for Disaster
http://lacoa.org/PDF/02-11_Plan-for-Shelter.pdf
FEMA
Birds, Reptiles and Other Pets
http://www.fema.gov/kids/brdrep.htm
Humane Society of the United States
HSUS Offers Emergency Preparedness for Pet Owners
http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/
hsus_offers_emergency_preparedness_tips_for_pet_owners.html
Pack Up Your Troubles in a Disaster Kit Bag
http://www.hsus.org/humane_living/living_in_harmony_with_animals/
pack_up_your_troubles_in_a_disaster_kit_bag.html
Department of Homeland Security
Preparing Your Pet for an Emergency Makes Sense. Get Ready Now
http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html
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