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Disasters can strike anytime, anywhere, and to anybody. Tornadoes,
hurricanes, wildfires, floods, hazardous material spills - who
can predict when these will occur? While there is never a shortage of
help for people in disasters, help for pets is rarely available. It
is critical that you develop an evacuation plan for your pets ... they
are defenseless in disasters and need your protection! Here are the
basic steps you can take to protect your pet:
- Get a rescue alert sticker: Placing a rescue alert sticker
(see example on right) on your home windows will let rescuers know
that pets are inside your home, in the event you cannot. The card
must be visible to rescue workers and it must contain the types
and number of pets in your household and your contact information.
- Pre-arrange a safe haven for your pet: A safe haven for
your pet must be found in ADVANCE - once an evacuation is issued,
you will not have time to develop a plan. Whatever you do, DO NOT
LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. If you do, they will not only be at risk
of injury or death, but they will be at risk of severe suffering
and agony in the process. Some places you can consider are your
veterinarian's office, boarding kennels, pet-friendly hotels in
adjacent cities, or friends/relatives in adjacent cities. However,
be sure they have a solid emergency plan in place as well!
- Prepare an emergency kit for your pets: Time is of the
essence when you must evacuate your home in a crisis. To ensure
that you can protect your pets in time, prepare an emergency kit
in ADVANCE with the items listed below.
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Leashes, extra collars, pet carriers
• Canned (pop-top) and dry food, feeding dishes, bottled water
• Disposable litter trays, litter or paper towels
• Blanket (for scooping up a scared pet and for bedding)
• Two-week supply of medication, medical records, your vet's number,
and photos (in case you
need to make "lost" posters) - all stored in
a waterproof container! |
This emergency kit should be stored in a safe place that
is easily accessible and can be found by others if needed. The records
should be periodically reviewed and updated (every six months) to
ensure accuracy.
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