So how can you make sure that you are prepared to evacuate your pets on short notice?
I have summarized some of the suggestions from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) below:
1) Get a rescue alert sticker and place it in a prominent place near your main entrance. This sticker can identify to firefighters and other rescue personnel that you have pets that need rescuing.
You can order a free rescue alert sticker here
2) Arrange a safe haven where you can bring your pets in case of evacuation. Not all Red Cross shelters or Disaster centers are able to accept pets. You can bring your pets to community organized pet evacuation centers, a friend or family member's home, a hotel that allows pets, or a local kennel out of range of the disaster.
3) Have an emergency kit prepared for your pets, in addition to the kit you should have for yourself and other family members. Keep any leashes, collars, harnesses and crates in an easily accesible location. It is a good idea to microchip your pet in case the pet runs away during the frenzy or gets lost. In high stress situations, crating your pets may be the best option. The ASPCA recommends the following to be included in your emergency pet kit:
- Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include, or visit the ASPCA Store to buy one online)
- 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 collar or harness as well as an extra leash
- Photocopies of medical records, pedigree paperwork 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: Extra leash, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner.
4) Designate an emergency caregiver that is willing and able to evacuate your pets in the case of an emergency where you are not at home. This could be a friend, family member or neighbor that lives within a short distance (no more than 5 miles) from your home. Make sure they know where your emergency kit is located and how to communicate with you in case of emergency.
Your pets are members of your family, of course, but remember to not endanger your own life if saving them is difficult or impossible. Firefighters and emergency personnel are equipped and trained to evacuate pets that are left behind in emergency situations, if at all possible.
Be prepared and be safe!
