Albany - Do you think of your pets as part of your household? If so, you must develop an emergency plan for them just like you would for any other family member. What would happen if you were caught in a flood? Or a hurricane? How well you and your animals get through an emergency depends largely on how well you plan in advance.
Here is a helpful checklist of things to think about in an emergency:
1.
You should put together a kit of pet emergency supplies. Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, particularly food and water. Things you may want to have in your kit include:
• Food:
Keep at least three days worth of food in an airtight and waterproof container.
• Water:
Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets, in addition to water you need for yourself and your family.
• Medicines and medical records:
Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
• First aid kit:
Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.
• Collar with ID tag:
Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit.
• Important documents:
Place copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container and also add them to your kit.
• Crate or other pet carrier:
If you need to evacuate in an emergency, take your pets and animals with you, provided that it is practical to do so.
• A picture of you and your pet together:
If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include detailed information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
• Familiar items:
Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in the kit. These familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
Consider two kits. In one, put everything your pets will need to stay where you are and make it on your own. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away immediately.
2.
Make a Plan for what you will do in an emergency. Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation. Use common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and ensure your pet’s safety during an emergency.
Plan how you will assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go. If you must evacuate, take your pets with you, if practical. If you go to a public shelter, keep in mind your pets may not be allowed inside. Secure appropriate lodging in advance depending on the number and type of animals in your care. Consider family or friends outside your immediate area who would be willing to take in you and your pets in an emergency. Other options may include: a hotel or motel that takes pets or some sort of boarding facility, such as a kennel or veterinary hospital that is near an evacuation facility or your family’s meeting place. Find out before an emergency happens if any of these facilities in your area might be viable options for you and your pets.
Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. Talk with your pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you keep your pet’s emergency supply kit. Also designate specific locations, including one in your immediate neighborhood and another farther away, where you will meet in an emergency situation.
Discuss the types of things you should include in your pet’s emergency first aid kit. Get the names of vets or veterinary hospitals in other cities where you might need to seek temporary shelter. Also talk with your vet about microchipping. If you and your pet are separated, this permanent implant for your pet and corresponding enrollment in a recovery database can help a veterinarian or shelter identify your animal and get him or her back to you safely. If your pet is already microchipped, keeping your emergency contact information up to date and listed with a reliable recovery database is absolutely essential to you and your pet being reunited after an emergency situation.
Gather contact information for emergency animal treatment. Make a list of contact information and addresses of area animal control agencies including the Humane Society or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and emergency veterinary hospitals. Keep one copy of these phone numbers with you, and one in your pet’s emergency supply kit. Obtain "Pets Inside" stickers and place them on your doors or windows, including information on the number and types of pets in your home to alert firefighters and rescue workers. Consider putting a phone number on the sticker where you could be reached in an emergency. And, if time permits, remember to write the words "Evacuated with Pets" across the stickers, should you evacuate your home with your pets.
In 2006, Congress passed the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act. This act amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of specific individuals and house hold pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.
Visit www.ready.gov and m.fema.gov from your mobile device for more information on this topic. There are many other useful websites you may want to check out, including www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness. For a list of pet friendly hotels see: www.petswelcome.com.
