Emergencies can range from small inconveniences to life-threatening situations. But no matter the size or type of emergency, one thing is certain: You need to be prepared. This is especially true if you have pets. Keeping them safe in an emergency means having a plan and being proactive. This blog post will offer tips on how you can keep your pet safe in the event of an emergency.
Get Ahead of Disasters Before They Strike
Planning ahead for your pets is a must to give them the best chance in case of disaster or emergency. Prior to any potential need, make sure all animals are microchipped and have ID on their collar with your up-to-date contact information. It is also important to have records of current vaccines as well as a list of pet boarding facilities / veterinarian offices available with 24-hour phone numbers in the event you need to evacuate. Reach out ahead of time to hotels and motels within your vicinity to learn ahead of time what your options are if needed. Lastly, it's wise to provide a key to a reliable neighbor, friend, or family member who can come get your pet(s) should you be unable to do so yourself.
Essential Items for Your Emergency Kit
When it comes to being prepared for natural disasters, don't forget about your pets! It's important to have a disaster kit that includes all the necessary items that you'll need in an emergency. You should have food and water for at least five days for each pet, as well as bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food. Additionally, be sure to have medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container. A pet first aid kit is also essential since it contains various items that may come in handy for treating injuries or illnesses. Lastly, you will want sturdy leashes, harnesses, secure carriers, photos of you with your pets, written information about their feeding schedules and behaviors, and even a favorite toy to comfort the pets in case of an emergency.
Pets in Your Evacuation Plan
When making evacuation plans, don't forget to include your pets! It is crucial that they are evacuated along with other family members, as leaving the pets behind can put them at risk of injury, loss, or even death due to dangerous conditions. Without you there to supervise the pets, you have no idea how long it may be until you can return for them. This is especially true during natural disasters and emergencies. Even animals like feral or outdoor cats, horses, and animals on farms must be considered when making plans—if possible, evacuate these animals as well so that their safety is ensured. Ultimately, if a situation isn't safe for you, the same goes for your pets; make sure that all your furry family members make it out in one piece!
Creating a Safe Haven
Staying home during a storm or other disaster can be dangerous. For the safety of your family and pets, it's important to identify a safe area of your home and pre-prepare it in advance. Store your emergency supplies and medications, as well as pet food and water, in watertight containers. Have a crate ready for each pet. In addition, close off or eliminate any unsafe nooks and crannies that may have been previously accessible, and move any dangerous items out of the room. By doing these steps ahead of time, you can create an environment in which your family and pets can wait out the danger safely.
Taking Measures to Protect Your Pets During Wildfire Seasons
With an ever-increasing rate of wildfires, it's more important than ever to properly monitor and care for your pets during these hazardous times. It's important to be aware of air quality in your area as well as stay up to date on evacuation alerts so that you're prepared in case you need to leave quickly. Meanwhile, pets should remain indoors with the windows closed. To ensure their safety, you should avoid outdoor exercise. Wildfire smoke could have a bigger impact on already ill or elderly animals with heart and lung illnesses. Pay attention to your beloved pet companions during such times to make sure they remain healthy and safe.
Keeping Pets Safe in Post-Emergency Conditions
After an emergency, the environment of your home may be vastly different than before. It can be difficult for both you and your pets to navigate such a change, so keep them safe by keeping dogs on leashes and cats in carriers when assessing the damage around your home. Remember to stay patient with them throughout this process, as they might also be confused and scared. Additionally, if you find that any wildlife has fled to your home as a result of the disaster, contact your local animal shelter for assistance and advice. While navigating any unknown changes in our familiar environment can be daunting, bringing proper care to all animals involved will help us return to normalcy more quickly.
