Disaster Preparedness Tips from the ASPCA
On Sale:
Dog or Cat First Aid Guide Book and
Training DVD
Emergency
Pet Preparedness
Emergencies come in many forms, and they may
require anything from a brief absence from your
home to permanent evacuation. Each type of
disaster requires different measures to keep
your pets safe. The best thing you can do for
yourself and your pets is to be prepared.
(
Step
1 ) Get a Rescue Alert Sticker
This
easy-to-use sticker will let people know that
pets are inside your home. Make sure it is
visible to rescue workers, and that it includes
1) the types and number of pets in your
household; 2) the name of your veterinarian; and
3) your veterinarian's phone number. If you must
evacuate with your pets, and if time allows,
write "EVACUATED" across
the stickers.
To get an emergency pet
alert sticker for your home, please
fill out the ASPCA online
order form;
please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Your local
pet supply store may also sell similar stickers.
( Step 2 ) Arrange a Safe Haven
Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event
of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS
BEHIND. Remember, if it isn't safe for you, it
isn't safe for your pets. They may become
trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous
life-threatening hazards. Note that Red Cross
disaster shelters will not accept pets because
of health and safety regulations, so it is
imperative that you have determined where you
will bring your pets ahead of time:
-
Contact your veterinarian for a list of
preferred boarding kennels and facilities.
-
Ask your local animal shelter if they
provide emergency shelter or foster care for
pets.
-
Identify hotels or motels outside of your
immediate area that accept pets.
-
Ask friends and relatives outside your
immediate area if they would be willing to
take in your pet.
( Step 3 ) Emergency Supplies and
Traveling Kits
Keep an Evac-Pack and supplies handy for your
pets. Make sure that everyone in the family
knows where it is. This kit should be clearly
labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider
keeping in or near your pack include:
-
Pet First-Aid Kit and
Pet First Aid Guide Book (ask your vet what to include, or
purchase them from us)
-
3-7 days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry
food (be sure to rotate every two months)
-
Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting
pans are perfect)
-
Litter or paper toweling
-
Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
-
Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
-
Pet feeding dishes
-
Extra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are
recommended for safety and security)
-
Photocopies of medical records and a
waterproof container with a two-week supply
of any medicine your pet requires (Remember,
food and medications need to be rotated out
of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go
bad or become useless.)
-
Bottled water, at least 7 days' worth for
each person and pet (store in a cool, dry
place and replace every two months)
-
A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier,
ideally one for each pet
-
Flashlight
-
Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet)
-
Recent photos of your pets (in case you are
separated and need to make "Lost" posters)
-
Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack,
toys, scoopable litter
-
Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard
stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of
cage liner.
You
should also have an emergency kit for the human
members of the family. Items to include:
Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio,
multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray
paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and
footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important
phone numbers, extra medication and copies of
medical and insurance information.
( Step 4 ) Choose “Designated
Caregivers”
This step will take considerable time and
thought. When choosing a temporary caregiver,
consider someone who lives close to your
residence. He or she should be someone who is
generally home during the day while you are at
work or has easy access to your home. A set of
keys should be given to this trusted individual.
This may work well with neighbors who have pets
of their own—you may even swap responsibilities,
depending upon who has accessibility.
When selecting a
permanent caregiver, you’ll need to
consider other criteria. This is a person to
whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in
the event that something should happen to you.
When selecting this "foster parent," consider
people who have met your pet and have
successfully cared for animals in the past. Be
sure to discuss your expectations at length with
a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands
the responsibility of caring for your pet.
Visit the
ASPCA Planned Giving FAQ
page for
information about pet trusts.
( Step 5 ) Evacuation Preparation
If you must evacuate your home in a
crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. If you
think you may be gone for only a day, assume
that you may not be allowed to return for
several weeks. When recommendations for
evacuation have been announced, follow the
instructions of local and state officials. To
minimize evacuation time, take these simple
steps:
-
Store an emergency kit and leashes as close
to an exit as possible.
-
Make sure all pets wear collars and tags
with up-to-date identification. Your pet's
ID tag should contain his name, telephone
number, and any urgent medical needs. Be
sure to write your pet's name, your name and
contact information on your pet's carrier.
-
The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet
as a more permanent form of identification.
A microchip is implanted in the animal's
shoulder area, and can be read by scanner at
most animal shelters.
-
Always bring pets indoors at the first sign
or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can
become disoriented and wander away from home
during a crisis.
-
Consider your evacuation route and call
ahead to make arrangements for boarding your
pet outside of the danger zone at the first
sign of disaster.
( Step 6 ) Geographic and Climatic
Considerations
Do you live in an area that is prone to
certain natural catastrophes, such as tornadoes,
earthquakes or floods? If so, you should plan
accordingly.
-
Determine well in advance which rooms offer
safe havens. These rooms should be clear of
hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.
-
Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility
rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe
zones.
-
Access to a supply of fresh water is
particularly important. In areas that may
lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks
ahead of time to ensure that you have access
to water during a power outage or other
crises.
-
In the event of flooding, go to the highest
location in your home, or a room that has
access to counters or high shelves where
your animals can take shelter.
If
emergency officials recommend that you stay in
your home, it's crucial that you keep your pets
with you. Keep your Evac-Pack and supplies close
at hand. Your pets may become stressed during
the in-house confinement, so you may consider
crating them for safety and comfort.
