Disaster Plan For PetsOur pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us for their safety and well-being. The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives. Different disasters require different response. But whether the disaster is a flood, earthquake, wild fire or earthquake, you may have to evacuate your home and your city.

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or killed. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.

Red Cross disaster shelters can’t accept pets because of state health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research. Know What To Do As a Disaster ApproachesOften warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect yourself and your pets.

Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.

Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.

Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened up-to-date identification.

Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend a relatives outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's ID tag, adding information with a permanent marker.

You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a pre-arranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster supply kit is kept, and have a key to your home. If you use a pet setting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. But bear in mind that animals react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off. The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your veterinarian if any behavior problems persist. 

Almost Home Coalition
PO Box 1421, Chehalis, WA 98532
360-508-0151




Evacuation Tips for PetsTake your pets with you. Many people mistakenly leave their pets behind when they evacuate during an emergency, thinking their pet's instincts will prevent them from being harmed. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Companion animals depend on us for their survival, much as children do. Identify your pet. Securely fasten a current identification tag to your pet's collar. If you face evacuation, it is a good idea to attach to the collar the phone number of a friend or family member who is well be able to reach a person who knows how to contact you. Photograph your pet. Carry a photo of your pet for identification purposes. Transport your pet safely. Use secure pet carriers and keep your pet on a leach or in a harness. Find a hotel that will allow your pet. Because most emergency shelters DO NOT admit pets, call hotels in a safe location and ask if you can bring your pet. If the hotel has a no-pet policy, ask the manager if the hotel can wave the policy during the disaster. Foster your pet. If you and your pet cannot stay together, call friends, family members, veterinarians, or boarding kennels in a safe area to arrange safe foster care. Have supplies on hand. Be sure to have a 72 hours kit for your animals (see 72 hours kit for animals), week's worth of food, water, medication, cat letter, or any other supplies your pet needs on a regular basis. Plan your evacuation and leave in plenty of time. Do not wait until the last minute to evacuate. When rescue officials come to your door, they may not allow you to take your pets with you. Carry a list of emergency telephone numbers with you. This should include your veterinarian, local animal control, local animal shelters, the Red Cross, and any other individuals or groups you might need to contact during the disaster.  Also carry a local phone book – you may not have access to one when you need a phone number.If you must evacuate, do not leave your animals behind. Evacuate them to a prearranged safe location if they cannot stay with you during the evacuation period. (Remember, pets are not allowed in Red Cross shelters.) If there is a possibility that disaster may strike while you are out of the house, there are precautions you can take to increase your pets' chances of survival, but they are not a substitute for evacuation with your pets.

 Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supply KitWhether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need essential supplies. Keep items in n accessible place and store them in a sturdy container that can be carried easily (duffel bags,
5 gallon covered bucket, Rubbermaid containers, etc...). Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:

Medication, health records, veterinarian information (stored in a waterproof container or zip lock) Pet Health insurance records (if you have pet insuranceA pet first- aid kit. A Sturdy collar or harness and leash for each pet.

A carrier to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.

Current photos of your pets in case the get lost. (stored in a waterproof container or zip lock)  

Food & water to last 72 hours, bowl, and can openerBottled water - Note: 2-3 gallons of water per animal will supply 60 lb pet for 3 50 4 days).

Pet beds and toys, if easy transportable.

FOR CATS - cat litter/pan

Information on formation on feeding schedule, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and numbers of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

Paper towels & plastic bags for clean up

Plastic bags for disposal of waste.

Almost Home Coalition
PO Box 1421, Chehalis, WA 98532
360-508-0151

 

Caring for Birds in an EmergencyBirds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier. In cold weather, wrap a blanket over the carrier and warm up the car before placing birds inside. During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the birds' feathers periodically. Do not put water inside the carrier during transport. Provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water content. Have towels and change them frequently. Try to keep the carrier in quiet area. Do not let the birds out of the cage or carrier.Caring for ReptilesSnakes can be transported in a pillowcase but they must be transferred to more secure housing when they reach the evacuation site. If your snakes require frequent feeding, carry food with you. Take a water bowl large enough for soaking as well as a heating pad to keep them warm. When transporting house lizards, follow the same directions as for birds.Caring for Pocket PetsSmall mammals (hamsters, gerbils, etc.) Should be transported in secure carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered. Make sure not to use anything they can chew out of. Take bedding materials, food, food bowls, and water bottles.Evacuation Tips for Farm AnimalsEvacuate animals as soon as possible.

Be ready to leave once the evacuation is ordered. Arrange your evacuation route in advance. Arrange for a place to house you animals. Plan an alternate evacuation route.

Alternate routes should be mapped out in case the planned route becomes inaccessible. Set up safe transportation. Make sure that you have available trucks, trailers, or other vehicles suitable for transporting farm animals.

Arrange to have experienced animal handlers and drivers to transport them. Take your supplies with you.

At evacuation site, you should have, or be able to readily obtain, food, water, veterinary care, handle equipment, and generators if necessary. Work with the state department of agriculture and Farm Bureau. If your animals cannot be evacuated, your state department of agriculture can provide on-farm oversight.  Tips for planning ahead
All vaccinations are up to date. Boarding facilities will require proof of vaccinations.

Listen for EBS (Emergency Broadcast System) messages on the procedures for companion animals if you have to evacuate.

Be sure your dogs or cats are wearing a properly fitted collar with a current license attached.

Have a collar or harness and leash on hand at all times to control your companion.

If possible, acquire a portable carrier or cage for each pet, if you plan to travel. These crates should be large enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie down flat.

Take time to adjust them to this portable crate. Make it a fun place to be.

Store portable carriers where there is easy access.

Have supplies for 72 - hours by your carrier. If you are using your portable kennel daily, place the kennel in an area where nothing will keep you from getting to it quickly.

Emergency public shelters DO NOT allow companion animals inside, due to public safety reasons.

Establish a plan for your pets, should you have to leave your home and go to a public shelter.

Check with friends or relatives who live farther away, out of the disaster, to see if you and your pet can stay with them.

When practicing your escape routs for a disaster, involve your pets.

Use caution in allowing your pets outdoors after the disaster has passed.

Downed power lines, stay animals, broken glass, tremors, cold present a real danger to your pets.

Always walk your dog / cat on a leash.

Veterinarian care after disaster for injury and other possible health problems. Be available to help neighbors that have pets, especially if they are disabled or elderly to correctly follow guideline and care during and after the disaster.

ALWAYS HAVE YOUR PET WEARING PROPER IDENTIFICATION AT ALL TIMES AND/OR  HAVE A MICRO CHIPS IMPLANTED. This is the best way for your pet to find their way back to you if you should get separated.

Almost Home Coalition
PO Box 1421, Chehalis, WA 98532
360-508-0151


First Aid Kit SuppliesAdhesive tape, 1" and 2" wide rolls Gauze bandage rolls, 1" and 2" wide Sterile gauze pads, 1" and 2" Scissors EMT or bandage Triangular muslin bandage

2" and 3" strip of clean cloth, 4 foot long with 2 safety pins

Package of safety pins

4 wooden rulers of 12 tongue depressor for tourniquet

4 wooden paint mixing sticks for tourniquet

3% hydrogen peroxide

Kaopectate for diarrhea (3 to 4 drops every 3 to 4 hours for small dogs)

Pepto Bismol

Antibacterial ointment for skin (bacitracin)

Plastic or nylon eyedropper of syringe

Eye wash

Razor blades

Ice bag or chemical ice pack

Empty distill water or gallon milk containers for holding hot water

Blankets

Towels

10 feet of 1/4" to 3/8" nylon rope for restraint

Wire cutters

Pliers

Cotton Balls

Tweezers

Salt - to put on tongue to induce vomiting