Comprehensive Pet Safety Measures in Times of Disaster.

Table of Contents

Emergencies manifest in various guises, ranging from brief disruptions to permanent evacuations. To safeguard your beloved pets in the face of different disasters, proactive preparation is key. Below, we outline a series of simple steps to ensure that you and your pets are well-equipped for any unforeseen calamity:

Step 1: Obtain a Rescue Alert Sticker

Procure a user-friendly rescue alert sticker to communicate the presence of pets within your residence. Make certain it is conspicuously visible to rescue personnel (placing it near your front door is advisable). The sticker should include details about the types and number of pets residing in your home, as well as the name and contact number of your veterinarian. In the event of an evacuation with your pets, if time permits, inscribe “EVACUATED” across the sticker.

Step 2: Secure a Safe Haven

Establish a secure refuge for your pets in case of evacuation. It is imperative never to abandon your pets during a disaster. Remember, if it’s not safe for you, it’s equally perilous for your pets, who might become trapped or exposed to life-threatening hazards. Not all shelters accommodate pets, making it vital to predetermine the location for your pets’ safety:

Consult your veterinarian for a list of recommended boarding kennels and facilities.
Inquire with your local animal shelter about their provision of emergency shelter or foster care for pets.
Identify hotels or motels outside your immediate vicinity that accept pets.
Approach friends and relatives residing outside your immediate area to gauge their willingness to shelter your pet.

Step 3: Select “Designated Caregivers”

This step requires thoughtful consideration and planning. When choosing a temporary caregiver, opt for someone who resides near your home and is typically present during the day when you are away or can access your home easily. Provide this trusted individual with a set of keys. Neighbors who have their own pets may be ideal candidates, and responsibilities could even be exchanged, depending on accessibility.

In the case of selecting a permanent caregiver, additional factors should be taken into account. This individual will assume responsibility for your pet if something should happen to you. When designating a “foster parent,” prioritize individuals who have interacted with your pet and have demonstrated competence in caring for animals in the past. Ensure thorough discussions with the permanent caregiver to convey your expectations and ensure they understand the responsibilities associated with pet care.

Step 4: Prepare Essential Supplies and Travel Kits for Emergencies

In the event of an evacuation during a crisis, it’s prudent to plan for the worst-case scenario. Even if you anticipate a short absence from your home, it’s wise to assume that you might not be able to return for an extended period, possibly several weeks. When evacuation advisories are issued, it’s crucial to heed the guidance of local and state authorities. To streamline the evacuation process, consider these straightforward steps:

Ensure Proper Identification:
- Ensure that all your pets wear collars and tags with updated identification information. Your pet’s ID tag should feature their name, your contact number, and any critical medical requirements.
- Additionally, write your pet’s name, your name, and contact details on their carrier.
Explore Microchipping:
- The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted beneath the skin, usually in the shoulder area, and can be scanned at most animal shelters.
Immediate Shelter for Pets:
- As soon as you receive any storm or disaster warnings, bring your pets indoors promptly. During a crisis, pets can become disoriented and may stray away from home.
Organize an Emergency Kit and Leashes:
- Store an emergency kit along with leashes near an exit, ensuring everyone in the household knows its location. Clearly label the kit for easy identification.
- Essential items to consider for your “Evac-Pack” include:
  - A pet first-aid kit and guide book (consult your vet for guidance).
  - 7-10 days’ worth of canned (with pop-top lids) or dry food (remember to rotate every two months).
  - Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans work well).
  - Litter or paper towels.
  - Liquid dish soap and disinfectant.
  - Disposable garbage bags for cleanup.
  - Pet feeding dishes and water bowls.
  - Extra collar or harness, as well as an additional leash.
  - Photocopies and/or a USB drive of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any necessary medications for your pet (remember to regularly update food and medications to prevent spoilage or ineffectiveness).
  - A minimum of seven days’ worth of bottled water for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months).
  - A travel bag, crate, or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
  - Flashlight.
  - Blanket.
  - Recent photos of your pets (in case of separation and the need for “Lost” posters).
  - Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoopable litter.
  - Especially for dogs: Extra leash, toys, chew toys, and a week’s supply of cage liner.
Human Emergency Kit:
- Ensure you have an emergency kit for human family members as well. Consider including:
  - 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.
  - Copies of medical and insurance information.

Being well-prepared with these supplies and kits will greatly assist in keeping both your pets and your family safe during emergencies.

Additional Considerations

Geographic Preparedness

If you reside in an area susceptible to specific natural disasters like tornadoes, earthquakes, or floods, it’s crucial to plan ahead and evacuate proactively.

Identify Safe Havens:
- Determine well in advance which rooms within your home can serve as safe havens during a crisis. These spaces should be free from hazards such as windows, flying debris, and other potential dangers.
- Opt for easily maintainable areas like utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as your designated safe zones.
Secure Fresh Water:
- Access to a supply of fresh water is of paramount importance. In areas susceptible to power outages, consider filling up bathtubs and sinks in advance to ensure a reliable water source during emergencies.
Flooding Preparedness:
- In the event of flooding, seek refuge in the highest location within your home or in a room equipped with counters or high shelves where your pets can take shelter.

Special Considerations for Horses

Maintain a Safe Environment:
- Maintain a clean and organized stable and pasture area. Remove any hazardous or flammable materials, debris, and machinery from the barn’s walkways, entrances, and exits.
- Regularly inspect and maintain barn floors and septic tanks. Conduct routine checks of the pasture to eliminate any potentially dangerous debris.
Fire Prevention:
- Implement a strict no-smoking policy around your barn area. Avoid using or leaving appliances running in the barn, including seemingly harmless devices like box fans, heaters, and power tools that can overheat.
- Ensure all wiring is well-maintained to prevent electrical fires, and secure machinery to prevent accidental knockovers by animals.
Trailer and Towing Safety:
- Familiarize your horse with wearing a halter and getting used to trailering. Regular practice is essential, similar to fire drills in schools, to ensure a calm response during an emergency evacuation.
- Regularly inspect your trailer and ensure it is well-maintained. Verify that your towing vehicle is suitable for the trailer’s size and weight, and confirm that the trailer is hitched correctly with safety measures in place.
Socialization with Responders:
- Familiarize your horse with various strangers and emergency responders. Invite local firefighters and emergency personnel to interact with your horse, allowing them to become acquainted. This familiarity can be invaluable during stressful situations.
Establish a Support Network:
- Set up a phone tree or buddy system with neighboring horse owners and local farms. This collaborative network can prove indispensable in evacuating animals or sharing essential resources such as trailers, pastures, or manpower.
Organize Veterinary Records:
- Keep your equine veterinary records readily accessible in a secure location. Post emergency contact numbers near your phone, including your 24-hour veterinarian, emergency services, and friends.
- Maintain an additional copy of these numbers in the barn for easy access by emergency personnel, which should include contact details for you, your emergency contact, your 24-hour veterinarian, and several friends.

Ensuring the safety and well-being of your horses and other pets requires thorough planning and proactive measures, especially in regions prone to natural disasters and emergencies.

Special Considerations for Birds

When traveling with birds, it’s important to ensure their safety and comfort. Here are some special considerations to keep in mind:

Secure Travel Container:
- Transport your birds in a secure travel cage or carrier to prevent them from escaping during the journey.
Cold Weather Precautions:
- In cold weather, cover your pet bird’s cage with a blanket to provide warmth and reduce the stress of traveling.
Warm Weather Care:
- During warm weather, carry a spray bottle to periodically mist your bird’s feathers to help them stay cool.
Identification:
- Keep recent photos of your bird available, and retain their leg bands for identification purposes.
Carrier Setup:
- If the carrier does not have a perch, line it with paper towels that you can change frequently to maintain cleanliness.
Quiet Environment:
- Place the carrier in a quiet area during transport to minimize stress for your feathered friend.
Timed Feeder:
- Ensure your bird’s regular feeding schedule by using a timed feeder, especially if you may need to leave your bird unexpectedly.
Essential Items:
- Have essential items on hand, including a catch net, a heavy towel, and a blanket or sheet to cover the cage. Also, ensure you have a cage liner available.

Special Considerations for Reptiles

Transporting reptiles requires specific care and provisions:

Secure Housing:
- For snakes, transport them in a pillowcase, but ensure you have permanent and secure housing for them when you arrive at a safe location.
Soaking Bowl:
- Carry a sturdy, large bowl for your reptile to soak in. It’s advisable to also have a heating pad or another warming device, like a hot water bottle, on hand to maintain their temperature.
Lizards:
- Lizards can be transported similarly to birds, following the guidelines mentioned above.

Special Considerations for Small Animals

For small animals like hamsters, gerbils, mice, and guinea pigs, take these measures for their safety and comfort:

Secure Carriers:
- Transport these small animals in secure carriers equipped with bedding materials, food, and food bowls.
Essential Items:
- Keep a salt lick, an extra water bottle, a small hidebox or tube, and a week’s worth of bedding readily available for their needs.

When traveling with pets, especially those with unique requirements like birds, reptiles, or small animals, ensuring their well-being during the journey is paramount. By following these special considerations, you can help keep them safe and comfortable.

Help protect animals by spreading the word about disaster preparedness. Download and share the ASPCA’s disaster preparedness checklist.

Source

Disaster Preparedness