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ENSURING THE SAFETY OF YOUR PETS
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS CHECKLIST:
FIRE - FLOOD - EARTHQUAKE:
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Never leave your companion animals behind if you have
to evacuate your home. If your home is too dangerous for you, it
is too dangerous for your pets. Evacuation shelters do not usually
accept animals because of health & safety regulations. Implement
these suggestions for the safety of your animals. Above all, please
PLAN AHEAD! |
- PROPERLY IDENTIFY YOUR ANIMALS. Securely fasten a current
identification tag or license to your pet’s collar. Also attach,
or write in indelible ink directly on the collar, the phone number
of a friend or relative who lives outside the danger zone. This will
help if you animal becomes separated from you. Keep photos of pets
with you for ID purposes as well.
- CARRY A LIST OF EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS WITH YOU. Please
include your veterinarian, local animal control, local animal shelter,
Red Cross, and any other individual or group you might need to contact
during a disaster. Remember, land line and/or cell phones may not
be functioning.
- MAKE CONTINGENCY ARRANGEMENTS WITH A RELATIVE OR FRIEND.
If you know someone who lives out of the likely problem area but close
enough to be convenient, talk to them ahead of time. You may be able
to deliver your pets to safety in an emergency.
- IDENTIFY LOCAL OPTIONS. Check with veterinarians, boarding
kennels, and become familiar with the capacity of the animal shelter
in case of an emergency. Check ahead on nearby hotels/motels that
would waive a no-pets policy in case of a disaster.
- DRILL WITH YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR ANIMALS. Practice a sudden
evacuation with your animals, too. If you encounter problems, prepare
a solution immediately. If you have HORSES, practice an urgent load
up. Have them load up for a stranger. Keep your trailer ready, particularly
in fire season.
- HAVE SUPPLIES READY. Your pets will need food, water, any
current medications, and supplies such as cat litter. Try to have
a week’s supply available for whoever will become the caretaker
of your pet.
- TRANSPORT YOUR ANIMAL SAFELY. In stressful situations, your
animals may want to bolt and run for home. Use secure carriers, and
have harnesses that fit your dogs and cats.
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