You might have a plan for your family when extreme weather hits, but what about for your pets?
What’s not good for you probably isn’t good for them either, so include your pets in home and workplace emergency drills and actions. Before a tornado warning is alerted, make certain there’s room for everyone in the bathroom, basement or designated place of safety.
Before the first drop of rain, the American Red Cross in Arkansas recommends putting together a pet emergency kit with the following items:
- Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container) and a First Aid kit.
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals can’t escape.
- Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
- Food, drinkable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and manual can opener.
- Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
- Pet bed or favorite toys if easily transportable.
In case you need to leave your home due to weather related or man-made disasters, a few steps in advance can reduce additional stress:
- If you know your pet is anxious during strong storms, talk to your veterinarian about steps to ease their fears.
- Know which hotels will accept you and your pets in an emergency. Verify the limit on the number of pets as well as weight limits. Call ahead for reservations in the event of an evacuation before or during an emergency or widespread damage after a disaster as rooms can fill quickly.
- For hotels that have a no pet policy, ask if that is waived during emergencies.
- Check with family and friends who could care for your pet in the event of an emergency. Have a couple of people available in another part of town, as well as another area of the state.
- While your pets may prefer to stay together, have separate carriers for each just in case.
- Practice evacuation and disaster drills with your pets. Have them actually enter their carriers or place of safety; drive them in the car in their carrier so they become familiar with the process and can remain as calm as possible.
- Make certain vaccinations are current, and both dogs and cats have secure collars with up-to-date identification. Place shot records, medications and other important information in a water proof bag.
- Consider having your pet ‘micro-chipped’ by the veterinarian.
For more safety tips for you and Fido, download the new Red Cross Tornado app for Android, iPhone and iPad or visit www.redcross.org/arkansas.