We love our pets, and want to do what is best for them. Animals can be skittish and frightened during an emergency situation, making it difficult for you to focus on other vital tasks. Taking the following steps now can help protect your pets - and the rest of your family - in case of emergency.
Beyond the items you need for your immediate family, pet-specific items to add or to keep with your emergency ki include: A sturdy crate or carrier, ID tag and collar, food and water for each pet (four liters per day for the average dog, one liter per day for the average cat), non-spill bowls, litter box, special medications, a pet first-aid kit, your emergency phone numbers, pet file (which contains contact info for your vet, a copy of any license, vaccination records, and contact info for friends who could house your pet, a photo and other identification information), newspapers and paper towels.
Train your pet to enter its cage on command. That way, when an emergency strikes, you can command it to enter its cage and keep track of it's whereabouts. Make sure it has an ID tag and a collar at all times, in case it gets separated from you. Become familiar with your neighbors and their pets, and collaborate on a neighborhood plan including selecting a neighbor who will take care of your pets if you are not at home during an emergency. Keep a list of pet-friendly places your pet could go if you need to leave your home, as many emergency shelters do not accept pets.
If an emergency happens, try to take your pet with you. If you cannot do so, leave a highly-visible sign in your window, lots of water in a tin-proof container and dry food in timed feeders. Do not tie or cage your pet, as it is being able to escape the house will increase its chance of survival in your absence.
For more information, visit www.getprepared.com or call the of Office of Emergency Preparedness at the Swift Current Fire Department at 778-2760.
Pet emergency preparedness
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Published on
May 21, 2009
- Published on July 9, 2009
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Swift Current Fire Department
We love our pets, and want to do what is best for them. Animals can be skittish and frightened during an emergency situation, making it difficult for you to focus on other vital tasks. Taking the following steps now can help protect your pets - and the rest of your family - in case of emergency.
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