are you and your pet prepared? 5 tips for emergency situations

The water rushed down the street and the sidewalk. The third round of thunderstorms rolled through town, overflowing the neighborhood’s draining system and clogging areas with debris. Sidewalks formed mud piles and car tires stopped rocks and branches. I observed all this from my front porch as hail cascaded from the sky and rain drenched the community.
 
Every year floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, snowstorms and other natural disasters hit towns and cities in the U.S. and around the world. Hurricane season officially begins June 1 yet over the Memorial Day weekend communities along the Gulf Coast prepared for a significant tropical storm – about the same time I watched a potential flash flood hit my community in Wyoming. As I stood on my front porch Sunday evening watching water rush like a raging river, I pondered if my family and I, with an entourage of four pets, could safely leave our home if needed.
 
We all need to be prepared to evacuate our homes in times of emergency. Here are five tips to handling a natural disaster situation:

1. Create a plan for both sheltering in place and having to leave and shelter elsewhere. Include in that plan where you and your pet(s) will go in case of evacuation.
2. Make sure your pet has identification. Wearing a collar with ID tag is critical. Microchipping is also good in case your pet and its collar/ID tag get separated.
3. Have pet carriers for all your animals and label those with the pet’s name and your name and contact information.
4. Ensure your pet needs. Pack a bag with food and water dishes, plenty of water (in bottles) and food for each animal. And, don’t forget any medications your pet(s) need.
5. Create an information folder. Inside, include your pet’s medical records, such as vaccination and medication information, a photo of your pet, written description, and your contact information.

 
Creating, and having on hand, a disaster preparedness kit can help a crisis run a bit smoother. Both the federal government’s Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the ASPCA offer more tips on caring for your pets during an emergency. Visit these websites for further information and to help you create a disaster plan and an emergency preparedness kit.

https://www.ready.gov/animals

https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/1392389819026-75460345a2f4adcc5418a1da7cb25eef
/2014_PrinterFriendly_PetOwners.pdf
 
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness
 
Here is a great infographic from www.poochingaround.co.uk. It's been created to make owners aware of what they should pack in a bag for their dogs just in case of an emergency situation like a natural disaster. Take a look at the list of items and let us know if you agree with what's on the list and if there is anything else you would include?

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