There’s been a small rash of earthquakes here in Southern
California, so that got us thinking about making an Emergency Supply Kit for
your pets. You’ve got a kit and a plan for you and your family, but what about
your furry loved ones? Some folks may not even think their pets would need a
kit, much less know where to start to put one together or even how. Well, the
good people at FEMA have some helpful guidelines to follow for getting your pet’s
kit ready to go in case of an emergency.
First off, think about what you’ve put in your survival kit.
It’s all about the basics – food, water, medications. The essentials needed to maintain
routine daily life. It’s the same thing for your pets; store about three days
worth of food in a sealed container. Don’t rely on the water you’ve set aside
for yourself to keep your pet hydrated. Make sure you have three days worth of
water exclusively for your pets, in addition to what you have stored for you
and your family. Medications are pretty self-explanatory and make sure you keep
them in a cool, dry place. Once you’ve got those squared away, be sure to
include a leash, harness and ID tags as well. You’ll also want to have your pet’s
crate or carrier ready on a moment’s notice in case evacuation is necessary.
Also be sure to include a litter box and litter, as well as bags, newspapers
and paper towels to clean up after your pet. Household bleach is a good idea to
help keep things hygienic and it can also help purify water if such a need
arises. FEMA also suggests you keep a photo of you and your pet together, for
identification purposes in the event you become separated. It’s the easiest way to describe your pet’s
visual characteristics to help others assist you in finding your lost animal.
Finally, just as children find comfort in a trusted toy or stuffed animal, your
pet’s stress can be alleviated through the things that bring them solace. Toys,
bedding, treats; any of the things that make your pet happy should be added to
the kit to help them feel safe in times of turmoil.
Next, make a plan in the event something happens. You’ll
need to know how to round up your pet or pets and have a destination in mind if you
have to leave your home. Obviously, you want to bring your pet with you in the
event of an evacuation, but keep in mind some shelters may not allow you to
bring animals with you. So have a contingency in place, a friend or relative
who would be willing to house your pets when they have nowhere else to go.
Boarding kennels are also a good option. Wherever it may be, make sure you have
the option in place ahead of time, before something catastrophic occurs instead
of after. In case you have to leave your pets at your residence, arrange to
have someone who can visit, care for, or possibly even evacuate them while you
are gone. Establish meeting areas both in your local neighborhood and beyond
for your appointed care-takers to meet you if trouble arises.
Finally, stay informed. Know what types of emergencies could
affect your region and be aware of evacuation procedures designated by your
state and local governments. Always be ready by going to www.ready.gov to learn more about emergency
preparedness for both you and your pets.
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