Prepare a kit for your pet in case of emergency

Hurricanes, fires, floods, international incidents. We hear about disasters and emergency situations on the Internet, the radio and the TV. And we’ve gotten several phone calls from our community instructing us what to do during flooding and hot weather.

With this disaster “stuff” getting closer to home, it’s time to get proactive and get serious about planning for an emergency. And with a dog and cat in the family, our plan needs to include them.

Ready.gov notes, “The likelihood that you and your animals will survive an emergency such as a fire or flood, tornado or terrorist attack depends largely on emergency planning done today.”

September has been designated as National Preparedness Month by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Both the Department of Homeland Security and the Humane Society of the United States offer specifics about disaster planning for our families and our pets.

The HSUS reports that a Zogby International poll found 61 percent of pet owners will not evacuate if they cannot bring their pets with them. Congress addressed this issue in 2006 by passing the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act. This act requires state and local emergency management agencies to make plans that take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster or emergency.

The HSUS advises, “Be prepared to take pets with you if evacuation orders are issued. If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for them. If you are ordered to shelter in place, bring your pets inside with you.”

The HSUS suggests the following to reduce our animals’ chances of being at risk during disaster:

Ÿ Put a collar with visible up-to-date identification on your pets, including indoor only pets. Add your current cellphone number to your pet’s tag.

Ÿ Take pictures of you with your pet for identification purposes.

Ÿ Talk to your neighbors about how they can help your pets if you are not at home when disaster strikes.

Ÿ Create a list of hotels outside your immediate area that allow pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size and species. Inquire if the “no pet” policies would be waived in an emergency.

Ÿ Create a pet emergency kit and refresh the items every few months.

The U.S Department of Homeland Security and the HSUS describe the contents of your pet emergency kit. The following items should be included:

Ÿ A three-or-more-day supply of food in airtight, waterproof containers and drinking water, as well as a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.

Ÿ Bowls for food and water.

Ÿ Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and first-aid pet supplies.

Ÿ Comfort items such as a toy and blanket.

Ÿ Small garbage bags.

Ÿ For dogs, include a sturdy leash or harness.

Ÿ A container to carry everything.

Ÿ Carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure your pets can’t escape. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down and to use as a sleeping area.

Ÿ For cats, include litter and litter box and a sturdy carrier large enough for transport and for your cat to use as a temporary “apartment” for a few days.

For more information on preparedness plans for our pets, go to humanesociety.org/prepare, The HSUS Emergency Services Center, and www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html. The HSUS website even has a Disaster Preparedness Quiz for you to take.

Ready.gov notes, “Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it your own for at least three days, maybe longer. Preparing for Your Pets Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.”

You know, it really does make sense.

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