WHEN PETS MUST EVACUATE

 

   We just survived another long, hot summer. Fire danger is always with us in Southern California. Are you prepared if you have to evacuate for fire or earthquake?

   Don’t leave your animals behind if you have to evacuate. But don’t be surprised if disaster shelters set up for humans are not immediately set up to accommodate pets. Take them with you, but be prepared to stay in the car if necessary with them. The Red Cross and Homeland Security recommend the following for your animals:

   Prepare a pet emergency supply kit. In watertight containers, pack at least three days of food and water for each pet, and include medicine and veterinary records, first aid kit, collars with ID tags, a harness or leash, a crate or pet carrier, and sanitation supplies (this should include, plastic bags, disinfectants and paper towels), bedding, and anything else you can think of that your animals need.

   Preselect shelter sites and resources. Prepare a list of phone numbers of local animal shelters and hotels and motels that take pets. Include the names and numbers of friends or family who can temporarily care for your animals. Have a buddy system with a good neighbor who would be willing to check on your animals in case you are not home. Most shelters cannot take animals unless they have a crate for each one in your family. Be prepared and insure your dog is crate trained before a disaster strikes.

   At the first sign of a disaster or evacuation, act quickly. Bring your animals into the house so you don’t have to try and find them if you must leave quickly. Get out your list and start getting ready to get out. If you have time, try to call ahead and make arrangements for your pets at the shelter.  Remember that current identification is important.

   When we were children we did fire drills at school. The time to prepare for a disaster is before it happens. Keep you and all the members of your family safe in times of danger and practice what you would do before it happens. If you aren’t at home when disaster strikes what can you do now to prepare everyone in your household? Where will you meet, who will you call first, and what can’t you live without?  These are all things to think about before a disaster happens.  A small bag of supplies and family information doesn’t take much room in your car. Give yourself a gift this year and get prepared now.

 

********

May the dust from your wagon wheels blind the eyes of your enemies.