Disaster Prep with Pets
Over the years, we have seen numerous storms, natural disasters, and other unexpected events cause people to pack up and leave their homes in order to protect their loved ones. This hurricane season, the Southeastern United States have seen incredible devastation at the hands of Hurricane Helene and the subsequent flooding, and now, Florida is going to be ravished again by Hurricane Milton within the next several days.
When we face events such as these, packing up and evacuating is the safest choice in order to ensure the wellbeing of everyone in the family, including our furry friends. However, for some, due to economic hardship, career choices, and other matters, evacuating may not be a viable option. Regardless of circumstance, it is crucial to have a disaster preparedness plan and an evacuation or shelter in place kit prepared in order to protect your fur legged friends in the event of disaster.
Creating a plan and putting together a pet safety kit can feel like a daunting and overwhelming task as this is simply a topic that we are not exposed to until we are in an emergency situation. Below, I have outlined some key points to consider for those both evacuating and those sheltering in place, as well as a list of items to include in an animal safety kit so that you and your family can feel prepared to keep yourself, and your pets safe in the event of disaster.
Points to consider when Evacuating:
Do you have a pet friendly place to stay? Consider hotels, short term rentals, friends, family, and even camping.
How long could it possibly be before you are able to return? When evacuating due to a disaster, it could be days or event weeks before it is safe to return home. It is crucial to consider this when packing items that will be difficult to obtain while living in an unfamiliar environment such as ID tags, prescription medications, and any mail-order items.
Points to consider when Sheltering in Place:
Do you have another local place to stay that is in a safer space? For example, if you live in a ranch style home near the oceanfront during a hurricane, it would be smart to see if there is another local friend that lives in a high level apartment or condo or someone further inland.
What resources do you rely on that may no longer be available? Most likely, the majority of resources (roadways, stores, gas stations, etc.) in your area will be difficult to access or entirely inaccessible for an extended period of time. It is important to plan accordingly and ensure that you have stoked up on any supplies that these resources provide.
Do you have any neighbors or community members that will also be sheltering in place? Consider developing a buddy system to check in on one another throughout the duration of your shelter in place.
Make sure your dog is inside. If it’s unsafe for you to be outside, it’s unsafe for him, too.
Take your pets with you to a room that is safe. The room’s location is based on whether you are sheltering from a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, flood, or blizzard. If there’s a wildfire, it’s best to take your pets and leave the premises immediately.
Bring a battery-operated radio to ensure that you can get updates from emergency officials even if the power goes out, or your phone and Internet connections are down.
If time allows, move your pets favorite bed or blanket to your safe room, so that you can make him comfortable until the threat passes.
Since dogs can get restless if cooped up inside, bring items to keep him engaged, such as toys, games, and learning activities.
Make sure your dog has a place to relieve himself, if he can’t go outside. Keeping puppy pee pads on hand can be useful for this purpose, as can potty training your dog to go indoors. Have cleaning supplies on hand, in case of an accident.
Keep your pets away from the windows. Debris may fly around during a major storm due to high winds.
Be ready for you and your pets to leave at any moment. Keep his leash and any necessary travel gear near the exit, and make sure you refer to your emergency evacuation plan.
Animals know when panic is in the air, so try to remain as calm as possible.
What to include in a Disaster Preparation Kit:
Animal first aid kit
Pet first aid guide
Stypic or Kwik-Stop Powder
A minimum of two weeks worth of food for each pet in sealed containers (Unopened cans or bags, sealed zip lock bags, watertight Tupperware, etc.)
Manual can opener, if using canned food
A minimum of two weeks worth of prescription medications
Preventatives (Heartworm, flea and tick, etc.)
Important paperwork and a photo of each pet in a sealed watertight bag
Vaccine certification
Rabies certification
Most recent Heartworm and/or FIV test
Prescription information
Adoption or AKC paperwork
Collars with ID tags
Leashes and harnesses for each pet
Collapsible bowls
Cases of water bottles or gallon jugs
Extra treats
Calming chews or CBD oil
Dry towels
Items that smell like home
Flashlight with extra batteries
Dog specific items
Potty Pads
Crates, if crate trained
Poop bags
Clip on lights for collars
Cat specific items
Extra litter
Travel litter box
Cat carrier
Want to build your kit but don’t know where to find these items? Follow the link below to our Amazon list where you can purchase with one click!
Looking to help those who have been impacted by recent disasters? Consider donating to the below organizations that have either taken in animals evacuated from impacted regions, or those who need support in rebuilding after disaster.
Asheville Humane Society
Brother Wolf Animal Sanctuary
Big Dog Ranch
Mountain Pet Rescue Asheville
Humane Society of Broward County
Humane Society of Charlotte
Sweet Bear Rescue Farm
Almost Home Wellness Center
Unicoi County Animal
Richmond SPCA
Nashville Humane
Disclaimer: This is not a comprehensive list of items that may be needed in a disaster nor does it include all points that need to be considered when sheltering in place or evacuating due to crisis. Regardless of what you and your loved ones choose to do when faced with crisis, it is important to follow the expertise and advice of local officials and to take the time to prepare your home thoroughly in accordance with disaster protocols.
Sources:
https://www.purina.com/articles/dog/health/routine-care/pet-disaster-preparedness-emergency-kit
https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-pets/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-kit.html
https://bestfriends.org/pet-care-resources/pet-emergency-kit-checklist-and-plan
https://www.ready.gov/pets
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/sheltering-place-dog-natural-disaster/
https://www.foxweather.com/extreme-weather/asheville-brother-wolf-shelter-saves-100-pets-helene-floods
https://www.frankiesfriends.org/hurricane-helene-disaster-relief
