Preparing Pets for Natural Disasters | LifeCellar Blog

A man helps calm his pets during a natural disaster

When you think of natural disaster preparedness, pets aren?t usually included in plans for disasters. But we, and organizations like FEMA, advocate that animals are family members, too. In fact, FEMA and the HSUS signed a partnership agreement that fosters fair pet treatment in cases of natural disasters. (They?ve even dubbed May 8 as National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day).

Here are two simple rules to follow when preparing for hurricanes and other natural disasters, with your pets in mind:

A drove of dogs rescued by good samaritans

Rule One: Plan for pet safety if you can?t be with them.

• This means your four-legged friends are decked out with collars, ids, or a microchip. If the disaster separates you from your missing pets, you can quickly locate them.
• Coordinate with neighbors or family members to assist your pets in emergencies. Give them an extra pair of keys to your home, indicate where leashes and the?extra stash of pet food are ? somewhere easily accessible -?so that they can grab your pets and their necessities with haste.
• Secure pet health information, such as medication prescriptions or vaccination files, online so that your files won?t be destroyed during a hurricane or tornado.
• Have emergency contact numbers, such as your pet?s veterinarian, on your phone or online for quicker assistance.

Rule two: if you take shelter inside, ensure your pets have shelter as well.

• Create a calm environment for your pets, as they may be riled up due to the chaos of the disaster.?Keep them restrained, with leashes or carriers, but in close proximity to you so that you can immediately unhook them or carry them out when evacuating.
• Designate a room for emergency supplies, and appropriate a section for your pet?s supplies as well. This shortens preparation time during the disaster, and provides you more time to be with your pets, as well as give them what they need without fumbling around for the essential items.

Evacuate the premises immediately, but double check that your four-legged friends (or winged friends) are safe and can easily be taken with you.

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