Disaster Preparedness Tips

Hey all!  Well, here on the East Coast we're hunkering down for Hurricane Sandy.  Mom has the day off work because the Federal Government closed.  But she's prepared and already has emergency bags packed for both of us, just in case.

There were lots of lessons that we learned after Hurricane Katrina and numerous deficiencies that were highlighted in our emergency response systems.  One of them was how unprepared we are for disasters when it comes to caring for our pets.  There were an estimated 15,000 homeless pets after Katrina and there still are "Katrina-pets" in shelters across the country.

In the years since Katrina, more attention has been given to how you can prepare to care for your pets in addition to yourself in a disaster situation.  Now with Hurricane Sandy bearing down on the bulk of the east coast, it's a good time to consider if you and your pet are prepared for disasters.

Here are some helpful tips:

1.    Have an emergency sticker on the doors to let first responders know that you have pets inside:  The ASPCA has a free disaster preparedness kit that you can sign up for, which includes a sticker for your door that lets first responders know if you have pets it the home

2.     Prepare emergency kits for you and your pet:  Kits should include:

• a week's worth of medicine for you and your pet
• 3-7 days' worth of non-perishable food for you and your pet.  If you're taking canned food, make sure to take a hand can-opener.  Also remember utensils. 
• food and water dishes/cups for you and your pet
• 1-2 gallons of water per day per person/pet
• first aid book and first aid supplies for you and your pet.  The ASPCA store has Emergency Ready Dog Survival Kits and Emergency Ready Cat Survival Kits for sale.  Alternatively, the Red Cross has an extensive list of first aid supplies for pets. 
• garbage or plastic bags for cleanup 
• litter for cats
• wipes, disinfectants, or towels
• copies of medical records for you and your pet
• a traveling crate for your pet 
• blankets, including a blanket for carrying your pet 
• recent photos of you and your pet.  If you are separated from your pet, you may need to make "lost" photos or need proof of your companionship when you hope to be reunited.  
• Pets' identification tags
• For cats, the ASPCA also recommends a pillow case (in case you need to scoop up the cat) 
• For dogs, the ASPCA also recommends an extra leash, collar, and dog toys
• The ASPCA has special considerations for birds:  Make sure they are transported in a secure cage.  If it's cold, put a blanket over the cage, and if it's warm, bring a spray bottle to keep them cool.  Use a timed bird feeder to ensure that your bird can be fed on-time (which is important for them).  
• If you have fish or reptiles, make sure you have lightweight plastic tanks that can be used to transport them.  You can transport snakes in pillow cases if necessary.  You may also want to bring a heating pad or blanket for reptiles. 
• Small animals like hamsters should be transported in secure cages.  Make sure to bring extra waters bottles, food, and bedding.    
• batteries, duct tape, flashlights, multi-tool, rope, extra protective clothing (including shoes, hats, coats, and gloves), whistle, cash, emergency phone numbers (including your doctor and your pet's veterinarian), solar chargers, and insurance information. 

3.     Arrange a safe haven for you and your pet:  Take your pet with you if you have to evacuate.  So many people in Katrina could not take their pets with them, however.  If you cannot take your pet with you, arrange for a safe haven for them.  See if a friend or landlord can care for your pet.  If you or someone you know can't care for your pet, check to see if your local or county shelters have an emergency plan for pets. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington has a disaster relief plan for pets, where they have a 20-foot trailer set up with temporary supplies to care for animals.  The Humane Society of the United States also has an up-to-date Twitter feed for shelter information in emergency situations.  If, in the unfortunate circumstance where you and your pet are separated, make sure to check with your local shelters and with Petfinder to see if your pet has been turned in.

We hope you're all riding out Hurricane Sandy okay....Stay safe!

Addie & Michele