Always bring pets indoors at the first warning of a storm.
Have at least a week' s supply of food and water on hand for each animal in your household.
Have favorite treats that your animals like, which can be a comfort to them during the stressful time that follows a disaster.
Do not let pets drink flood water or any other water that may be contaminated as a result of a disaster.
Keep a backup supply of any medications your pet may be on since a veterinary office may not open for some time following a disaster.
Keep a collar and up-to-date tags on your pets. Tattooing or microchipping your animals is a more permanent form of identification.
Start a buddy system with someone in your neighborhood, so that they will check on your animals during a disaster in case you aren't home. Agree to do the same thing for them.
If you evacuate, have a cat or dog carrier to evacuate each animal in your household. (In an emergency, a pillowcase is an alternate way to transport a cat.)
Have a leash for each dog. (A harness is also helpful in case a dog panics and tries to slip out of her or her collar.) Stake-out lines are also helpful for dogs if you are going to be relocated for a longer period of time.
Have photos of all of your animals to take with you if you have to evacuate and you lose your pet.
In your emergency plan, identify boarding kennels, veterinary clinics, grooming facilities, hotels and motels, and the homes of family and friends where you might be able to take your pet in an emergency.
Have the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
Know where the animal shelters or animal rescue organizations are in your area. You may need to visit them after a disaster to look for a missing animal.
Include some toys for your animals in your supply kit. Animals who are confined for long periods of time can become bored and/or stressed.
Comfort your animals during a disaster. They are frightened too.
Try not to display stress and anxiety when dealing with pets because most animals are very aware of their owners' emotions. And pets that are otherwise calm can display aggressive behavior if they sense stress in owners.
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« this page last modified 06/14/07 »
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