Be safe, be prepared; have an emergency plan for your pets
The Department of Homeland Security has designated September as National Preparedness Month. With the tornadoes, hurricanes, fires, floods and international incidents we hear and read about on the Internet, radio, TV and in the newspapers, we all need to get proactive about planning for an emergency. If you share your life with an animal, you need to include them in your family plan.
"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." notes Ready.gov. the government's emergency preparedness website.
In 2006, Congress addressed the issue of people not evacuating if they couldn't take their pets with them by passing the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Act. This act requires states and local emergency 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 disaster plan suggested by the HSUS prepares us to protect our animals during disasters that come with some warning, like floods, wildfires or hurricanes and those that strike suddenly like tornadoes or chemical spills.
The first step of the HSUS plan is to start getting ready now. The following suggestions will help you with the first step.
• ID your pet. Start by making sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar with visible and up-to-date identification information, Put your cellphone number on your pet's tag and maybe the phone number of a friend or relative outside the area in case you have to evacuate. Take pictures of you with your pet for identification purposes. Microchip your pet to increase your chance of being reunited with him.
• Find a safe place to stay ahead of time. Make a list of hotels outside your immediate area that allow pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size and species. Ask if the "no pet" policies would be waived in an emergency.
• Talk to your neighbors about how they can help your pets if you're not at home when disaster strikes.
• Put together your disaster kit. Every family member should know what to do and what to take if you need to evacuate. Supplies for your family will also include supplies for your pet.
The HSUS states, "Stock up on nonperishables well ahead of time and have everything ready to go at a moment's notice. Keep everything accessible and stored in sturdy containers (duffel bags, covered trash containers) that can be carried easily."
The basic disaster kit includes:
• Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls for food and water, and a manual can opener for canned food. Dry pet food should be kept in air tight containers and refreshed every 6 months.
• Medications and medical records in a waterproof container, a pet first aid kit and a pet first aid book.
• Study leashes, harnesses.
• 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.
• Garbage bags, litter boxes and scoops for pets' waste.
• Comfort items like beds or toys.
For information on preparedness plans for our pets, go to humanesociety.org/prepare.
The HSUS states, "The best way to keep your pets safe during an emergency is to keep them with you."
Being prepared makes sense.
• The Buddy Foundation, 65 W. Seegers Road, Arlington Heights, is a nonprofit (501c3), all volunteer, no-kill animal shelter. Call (847) 290-5806 or visit www.thebuddyfoundation.org.