Following this week’s devastating natural disasters around the country, it reminds us all how important it is to have a plan in place. Although emergencies are not something we like to think about, having a plan to act on if disaster strikes may prevent a situation from escalating from bad to worse. Here are some helpful tips that will not only help prepare you and your human family, but your furry family as well.
Make an emergency kit: Making a kit is the best place to start. This proactive move will ensure that if and when the time comes to respond to a disaster, all members of the family can hit the ground running. Be sure to have the essential bases covered. Here are some important things to include in your kit:
- Stock up on non-perishable food and water for your pet that will last up to three days, at the least, on top of the water you have stored for yourself and your family. Waterproof containers for the food are highly suggested. If you have canned food, don’t leave your manual can opener behind.
- Keep an extra supply of any medications that your pet may need on hand, in a waterproof container, in case you are gone for longer than you expect.
- It is important to keep paperwork current and up-to-date. At the least, have copies of vaccination records, as well as your pet’s microchip number and rabies certificate. In the case you become separated, during or after the disaster, have current photos of your pet as well. (It is helpful to have at least one picture with your pet for proof of ownership.)
- Crates are key when dealing with an emergency. This will not only help when trying to evacuate or get out of your home, but it will also create a safe haven for transporting your pet if a temporary shelter is not immediately available and you transport your pet with you to unfamiliar locations in the meantime.
- Other important items to have: leash/harness, blankets and towels, paper towels, disinfectant, kitty litter and litter box, plastic bags, familiar toys, pet’s favorite treats
What to do after the disaster: Following an incident, animals may become disoriented, even around places they may have once known as scents and familiarity have most likely disappeared during the disaster.
- It is recommended that you familiarize your pet with your home by walking them through the house on a leash, and keeping them on a leash when you let them out in the yard.
- Be aware of any downed power lines, and keep your pet away from any standing water, or debris, which may contain contaminants, and harm your pet if consumed.
Always make sure that your pet has on proper identification and a microchip, disaster or not. If you get separated from Fluffy or Fido, this will be his way home. The Everett Animal Shelters offers micro-chipping. It’s $40 for a cat or dog. No appointment necessary, just go to the shelter during open hours.
Being prepared is the strongest defense you can take against disasters. Following these simple steps will help you in the face of chaos.
Learn more about the Everett Animal Shelter. Plan a visit, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and check out all of our adoptable pets. And be sure to watch our featured Pet of the Week on the Everett Channel.
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