A natural disaster could strike at any time, so it is vital to be prepared – and that includes having a plan for your pets.
* Keep a disaster kit handy and a write disaster plan for yourself and your pets.
* Have leashes and crates and pet carriers available.
* Keep food and bottled water in the kit. Store at least a two week supply of canned and dry pet food (check dated shelf life). A 40-pound dog needs a minimum of a gallon of water a day, larger dogs need more and cats require about a quart.
* Include a can opener, water and feed bowls, an extra collar, a 10-foot leash, grooming brush, plastic bags and pooper-scooper.
* Include copies of the dog’s license, rabies certificate, other pet records – and some recent photos of the pet. Also include a photocopy of your driver’s license.
* Add a two-week supply of any medications your pet needs to take. If your pet is very high-strung, consider asking your vet for tranquilizers to keep in the emergency kit.
* Include a blanket or quilt to protect you and your pets from winds, flying glass or other debris in a tornado.
* Also include in the emergency kit a flashlight, weather radio, fresh batteries in resealable plastic bags, and if possible a cell phone with charger.
* Make sure your pets always wear a well-fitted collar with a current I.D. tag that includes your name, address and phone numbers. Microchipping also is highly recommended.
* Have an Animal First Aid book on hand. You can also print out info from websites in advance (since you may not be able to access your computer during a storm). Some good sites include: http://member.aol.com/henryhbk/acpr.html
http://www.geocities.com/~olelo/shelties/emergencydoglinks.html
* Place pet fire safety stickers in windows to let emergency personnel know what pets live in your home.
* Keep your pet’s vaccinations up to date. During a disaster, pets may stray and
become exposed to infectious diseases.
* Line up some relatives or friends ahead of time who would be willing to take in your pets in case of emergency, since most disaster emergency shelters don’t allow pets.
* Keep on hand the name, address and phone numbers of local animal control agencies and humane societies.
* Make sure you have enough smoke detectors and that they contain fresh batteries. Test them from time to time.
* Learn how to turn off the gas and electricity in your home.
* Identify a sheltered place for you and your pets to wait out a storm warning. This might be under a stairway, a basement, or an interior room away from windows.
* Don’t delay. Act when you hear tornado warnings and sirens. Even though the storm could change direction, if it doesn’t you need the time to save your life and the lives of your pets.
* In a crisis situation preventing you from taking your pets, emergency personnel advise not to re-enter a property on your own. First make sure from fire and police officials that the property is safe.
* Have an emergency plan ready for times when you’re traveling.
* Most disaster relief shelters turn away animals, for reasons that include the potential of allergic reactions...a stressed animal being prone to biting...fights between animals.
* For more information, contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (www.fema.gov), American Red Cross, or your veterinarian.
First Aid Tips:
* Use caution when handling injured pets. Any animal may bite when nervous or in pain.
* Check your pet’s temperature with a rectal thermometer. Lightly coat the thermometer with lubricant developed for this purpose. Leave the thermometer inside the rectum for one to two minutes. Normal temperature for a dog is 102, and 101 for a cat. A significant increase could mean a fever. A decrease in the normal body temperature can indicate shock. If shock if suspected, keep your pet calm and quiet, and wrap him in blankets or towels to maintain his body temperature. Seek veterinary help as soon as possible for illness or injuries.
* Don’t let pets roam
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