How to Prepare & Keep Your Pets Safe In A Natural Disaster

With all the fires, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods occurring, it has become even more important to have a safety plan in place for you and your pets.  As the climate change continues to occur, it is really important to prepare in advance for a natural disaster or even a minimal one.

There are many things you can do to prepare for something unexpected including having an animal emergency supply kit ready and developing a pet care buddy system.

Whether you decide to stay put or move to a safer location, you need to make plans in advance to keep your pets safe. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure their safety and well-being during an emergency.

Below are some tips to help you prepare effectively:

Assemble An Pet Emergency Supply Kit

One of the most important steps in preparing for unexpected events is having a pet emergency supply kit ready to go.

The pet emergency kit should include the following:

Pet food and water:

 A week's supply of canned or dry food and bottled water. Rotate the food every two months to keep it fresh.

Medications and veterinary records:

Keep a two-week supply of necessary medications and copies of medical records in a waterproof container.

Sanitation supplies:

Disposable litter trays, litter or paper towels, liquid dish soap, disinfectant, and garbage bags.

Identification:

Make sure that your pet's ID tags are up-to-date and securely attached to their collar. Include the address and phone number of your evacuation site if possible.

Comfort items:

A blanket for scooping up a scared pet, toys, and chew items.

Safety equipment:

A secure pet carrier, leash, or harness to prevent escape.

First aid kit:

Items like gauze, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and pet-safe bandages.

Recent photos:

Keep updated pictures of your pets in case they get lost, and you need to create "Lost" posters.

Develop a Pet Care Buddy System

It is always a good idea to create a backup plan with trusted neighbors, friends, or relatives to care for or evacuate your pets if you’re unable to do so.  Talk to your neighbors or friends that you trust and hare access to your home, your pet’s emergency supplies, and care instructions with them.

A pet buddy/friend care system is always important to have in place – even if you get stuck at work, your car breaks down or anything else unexpected. You can always have that person look in after your dogs or cats (or even hamster!) to help.

How to Plan for An Evacuation

Never leave your pets behind:

Of course, most of us would never consider to leave our pets behind, but even if you if think you might be gone for only an hour, a fire or flood might intensify during your absence. As we know, our pets cannot fend for themselves during disasters (or ever, really) and may not survive.

Research shelter options:

Public shelters may not allow pets. Identify pet-friendly hotels or shelters in advance and consider staying with friends or family outside the immediate area.

Pack your "pet survival" kit:

This should include essentials like food, water, medications, and sanitation supplies.

Items to Keep on Hand for Emergencies

• Extra collar, harness, and leash

•  Disposable litter trays and scoopable litter for cats

• Feeding dishes

• Flashlight and batteries

• Waterproof container with important documents

• Crate or sturdy carrier for each pet

• Rescue whistle and duct tape

• Cage liners for dogs

• Baby wipes and protective clothing

Prepare Your Home Ahead Of Time

Identify safe rooms:

Choose areas free of hazards like windows and flying debris, such as bathrooms, basements, or utility rooms.

Have access to water:

Fill bathtubs and sinks with water before a storm or power outage.

Create elevated spaces:

In case of flooding, move your pets (if they aren’t too big) to counters, high shelves or an area away from the flood.

Special Considerations for Specific Natural Disasters

Fires:

• Prepare an evacuation route and practice fire drills with your pets.

• Keep carriers, leashes, and emergency kits near exits for quick access.

• Avoid using collars with metal tags that may heat up and cause burns during fires.

• After evacuation, keep your dogs and cats in a secure area to prevent them from running back into danger.

Tornadoes:

Choose windowless rooms or storm cellars for safety.

Earthquakes:

Keep pets away from heavy furniture or breakable items.

Floods:

Move to the highest point in your home.

Human Emergency Kit

Don’t forget to prepare an emergency kit for your family as well. Include items like batteries, flashlights, a radio, multi-tools, cash, medications, and copies of important documents.

 While no one wants to face a natural disaster, being prepared can make all the difference. By planning ahead, you can protect your pets and ensure their safety in any emergency. Stay vigilant and keep your emergency supplies up-to-date so you’re ready for whatever comes your way.