Disaster Preparedness

Disaster Preparedness

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measure to keep your pets safe, so the best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.  Here are simple steps you can follow now to make sure you’re ready for the next disaster strikes:

·         Get a rescue alert sticker so that people know that pets are inside your home.  These can be ordered for free from aspca.org

·         Determine a safe haven for your pets in the event of an evacuation.  Know your veterinarian’s phone number and identify hotels outside of your immediate area that accept pets

Preparing emergency supplies and traveling kits

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. Even if you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

·         Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to also write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.

·         The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted under the skin in the animal’s shoulder area, and can be read by a scanner at most animal shelters and veterinary offices.  Animal Hospital of Rowlett/Heath can implant a microchip for $40 with free lifetime registration.

·         Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home in a crisis. 

·         Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is, and that it clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your “Evac-Pack” include:
 

·         Pet first-aid kit (recommended contents at end of document)

·         3-7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)

·         Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)

·         Litter or paper toweling

·         Liquid dish soap and disinfectant

·         Disposable garbage bags for clean-up

·         Pet feeding dishes and water bowls

·         Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash

·         Photocopies and/or USB of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless)

·         At least seven days’ worth of bottled water for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)

·         A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet

·         Flashlight

·         Blanket

·         Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)

·         Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoop-able litter

·         Especially for dogs: Extra leash, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liner

You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.

We highly recommend that you download the Pet First Aid by American Red Cross app for your iPhone or Android!  You can also visit them online at http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/pet-safety

Pet First Aid Kit Contents

·         Absorbent gauze pads

·         Adhesive tape

·         Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray

·         Blanket (a foil emergency blanket)

·         Cotton balls or swabs

·         Gauze rolls

·         Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting—do this only when directed by a veterinarian or a poison-control expert)

·         Ice pack

·         Non-latex disposable gloves

·         Petroleum jelly (to lubricate the thermometer)

·         Rectal thermometer (your pet's temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F)

·         Scissors (with blunt ends)

·         Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages

·         Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)

·         Tweezers

·         A pillowcase to confine your cat for treatment

·         A pet carrier

·         Corn syrup for dogs with low blood sugar

·         Benadryl (1mg per lb. dosing)

·         Non-prescription antibiotic ointment

·         Nail clippers

·         Ear-Cleaning solution

·         Needle nosed pliers