Disaster Preparedness -- Take Your Companion Animals With You

Storm Warning! Emergency Preparedness

Everyone has been informed of the necessity of being prepared for an emergency evacuation. Very frequently the animals you are closest to are forgotten or left behind. We have all seen on TV reports in flood areas of rescue workers saving a dog from the roof of a submerged house. There is one easy solution to these and worse tragedies...TAKE YOUR PET WITH YOU!
With careful preplanning and preparation there is no need for animals to be lost or injured due to a hurricane, flashflood or anything else that may arise that you need to get the “family” to safety.

My children were always taught the necessity of being prepared no matter what the crisis (they grew up near 3-mile Island in Pennsylvania)….they carry backpacks with extra clothes, first aid kits, potable water and emergency rations of food in the trunks of their cars. They have also been taught that their companion animals are their children and should be planned for also.
So when the situation arises, everything is ready…..people, animals and supplies, all
set to go. Get in the car and leave before the situation turns deadly, go when life is easily spared.

Preplanning

Preplanning includes getting your supplies and your family ready for any emergency. Have a predesignated meeting place in or near your home. Just remember to have someone remember the dog, cat, bird, etc. They do not understand the words as children do.
Preplanning also includes having a place to go, contacts numbers set up outside of your area that anyone can call and reconnect with you if separated.

Preplanning also includes being ready for any type of emergency….injuries included to people or animal family members!

What to Take:

When you leave home plan for 1 weeks stay away. The following is a suggested list of items to have together and ready for an evacuation situation.

Medications
Medical records
First Aid Kite
Food & Water in sealed
containers
Bowls
First aide kit
Bedding
Litter and box
Leash
Collar and tags
Grooming supplies
Current pet photo (in case pet gets lost
A favorite toy or two
(esp. for cats) a sturdy well ventilated carrier

Where to Go

There are literally NO human emergency shelters which allow you to take your pets into the shelter with you, unless they are work animals (I.e. seeing eye dogs.) So the question arises HOW do you take the pet with you...preplanning!

Call now to find out which motels outside your area allow pets in their rooms, keep a list near the phone for easy access. When the situation arises, call and reserve a room early.
Another option is to set up with a family member or friend outside of your area that would allow you to come and stay with them during the crises, knowing that that would mean pets and all!
Find camping areas that allow your pets to come with, if you are fortunate enough to have an RV this should be simple! Post these numbers by the phone also so that reservations may be made as early as possible!

First Aide

Before worry over injuries prepare the pets with constant health maintenance, such as keeping all vaccines current, flea control and heartworm prevention monthly.

In preparing for an emergency evacuation it is wise to have the training and knowledge to handle any situation. A good early step in being ready is to take the Red Cross First Aid Course for animals. There they will teach you how to handle basic first aid procedures and animal CPR.

The next step is to have a basic first aid kit. Below is a list of first aide supplies to have in a water proof container to carry with you:

Latex gloves
Gauze sponges a variety of sizes, both large and small Roll gauze, 2 inch
Roll bandages, such as gauze wrap that stretches and clings to itself
Material to make a splint ( pieces of wood, news paper or magazines
Adhesive tape, hypo-allergenic
Non-adherent sterile pads
Small scissors (bandage)
Grooming clippers or a safety razor
Nylon leash
Towel
Muzzle
Compact thermal blanket
Pediatric rectal thermometer
Water based sterile lubricant
Hydrogen peroxide
Rubbing alcohol
Topical antibiotic ointment
Epsom salts
Baby dose syringe or non-glass eye dropper
Sterile eye lubricant
Sterile saline eye wash
Glucose paste or kayro corn syrup
Styptic powder or pencil
Expired credit card to scrape away stingers
petroleum jelly
penlight
clean cloth
needle-nosed pliers
A list of emergency numbers
Pet’s vet
24 hr ER Vet Hospital
National Animal Poison Control Center 1-800- 548-2423 or 1-900-680- 0000

Going Home

After an evacuation the return home can be just as traumatic. Prepare for it in advance also. Make sure that the authorities have cleared the area for entering, do a dry run home before moving back in and let others know of your plans to go and check everything out before you leave your evacuation place.

When you return home, Proceed with Caution, check out the area around your home and property for any hazards before allowing pets to enter, run and explore. A downed tree can be hiding live electrical lines; weakened floor boards can lead to a nasty fall; etc.

Check your food and water supply to make sure there are no contaminations.
Walk pets on a leash until all hazards are removed and the animal is reoriented to the area. Also until all repairs to home, fences, etc can be accomplished.