When disaster strikes, how prepared are you? September is Disaster Preparedness Month, and are you honestly prepared? It could mean life or death for your pet if you aren't. Being prepared gives you a leg up in the protection of your beloved pets. Here are some tips to get you ready:
1. Know the disasters prone to your area, especially if you have recently moved. As an Oklahoma transplant to the desert here in Phoenix, I no longer need to be prepared for tornadoes, but instead, extreme heat and wildfires. What is in your area?
2. Arrange a safe haven, says the ASPCA. It reiterates this plea: DO NOT LEAVE OUR PET BEHIND! Not all Red Cross Shelters allow pets. Know what hotels outside of your immediate area allow pets, or line up family or friends just outside the area in the safe zone.
3. Have an Emergency Supplies and Travel Pack ready. Make a list of what would be needed for an evacuation with your pet; be sure to include photocopies of your pet's medical history, identification tags (both yours and a family backup) and a pet first aid kit, among the other items.
4. Have designated, trustworthy caregivers ready in a total emergency situation.
5. Make sure your pet is microchipped, says the CDC. You can easily find a low cost microchipping clinic in your area (contact low cost spay neuter clinics to ask if they offer just microchipping). Make sure your contact information is up to date every time you move. Microchips save lives and reunite pets and owners.
6. Have a secure collar and up-to-date identification tags ready to attach to your pet on a moment's notice if needed.
To keep prepared for anything that comes your way, enroll in a pet first aid course in your area as a proactive pet owner. The American Red Cross hosts these regularly across the country; see if there is one in your area. At these classes you can learn such pet owner checklist items such as administering medicine, managing breathing and cardiac emergencies, managing urgent care situations, treating wounds, treating electrical shock and caring for eye, ear and foot injuries.
Download the Disaster Preparedness App, the first of its kind, from the ASPCA. It is both Android and iPhone compatible, and not only allows you to store vital pet medical information but also gives life- saving tips in the event of a natural disaster.
Being prepared in case of emergencies gives pet owners the peace of mind that their best friend will be OK should a disaster happen.
