Mar 06, 2024

SWPW: Pets and Disasters

Posted Mar 06, 2024 12:25 PM

SCOTT ROBERTS
KSStorm.Info

To ensure your family and pets are well-prepared for a variety of emergencies, it’s crucial to consider a wide range of natural disasters and everyday emergencies. These can occur at any time, anywhere, and often without warning. Here’s a comprehensive guide to planning for both your family and pets:

First: Let Responders Know

Example of a pet alert window sticker, courtesy of http://www.womansworld.com
Example of a pet alert window sticker, courtesy of http://www.womansworld.com

These stickers are available inexpensively in many places including on Amazon.

Emergencies to Prepare For

  1. Fires: Involve your pets in your fire safety plans.
  2. Hurricanes: Secure your pets in a safe area with minimal debris. If you have to evacuate, take your pets along with you.
  3. Earthquakes: Make sure your pets are not in a location that could be dangerous during an earthquake.
  4. Tornadoes: Keep your pets away from windows and doors. If you have to evacuate or go to a safe shelter, take your pets with you.
  5. Floods: Store food and water in elevated areas.
  6. Severe Storms: Ensure your pets are secure and away from windows.

Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit

Ensure your pet disaster kit includes

  1. Documents: Veterinary records, vaccinations, and microchip information.
  2. Pet Descriptions: Include breed, sex, color, weight, and recent photographs. Preferred: a photo of you AND your pet. There are many beagles, but only one Snoopy who is yours.
  3. Waterproof Container for Documents: To protect important information.
  4. Contact Information: Include phone numbers and addresses for your family and friends or relatives.
  5. Water, Food, Medications: Store a 2-week supply of food and water for each pet in waterproof containers.
  6. Medication Instructions: Include any prescriptions and their instructions.
  7. Other Supplies: Leash, collar with ID, litter and litterbox (for cats), and appropriate-sized pet carrier with bedding.
  8. Pet First Aid Book and First Aid Kit: To address any injuries.
  9. Cleaning Supplies: For accidents, including paper towels, plastic bags, and disinfectant.

More details on KSStorm.Info:

  1. PDF Pet Disaster Kit Checklist
  2. How often should I update my kit?
  3. If I have to Evacuate with my pet, what can I expect?
  4. (Member content) the exact laws and regulations that govern what happens with pets in relation to post-disaster shelters.

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