9 Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe During Disasters
Disasters can strike at any time, with little warning. While we often take measures to ensure our safety and the safety of our loved ones, it’s equally important to consider our furry friends. In fact, for many of us, pets are part of our family. Therefore, protecting them from potential disasters should be a priority. Here are some essential tips to help keep your pets safe during disasters.
1. Prepare an Emergency Kit for Your Pet
Similar to preparing a disaster kit for your household, you should also consider having one readily available for your pet. This kit should include items such as food, water, medical records, medicines, a leash, a blanket, and comfort items that can help reduce stress for your pet. Don’t forget to include a carrier or a cage if your pet needs one.
2. Keep Your Pet’s Identification Updated
Ensure your pet’s identification tags are up-to-date, and it’s wearing it at all times. Also, consider microchipping your pet if you haven’t already. A microchip can significantly increase your chances of reuniting with your pet if you get separated during a disaster.
3. Train Your Pet
Believe it or not, basic training commands can be lifesaving in emergency situations. Teaching your pet commands like “stay”, “come”, and “down”, can prove to be of utmost importance during disasters.
4. Create a Safe Environment
Clear any hazardous materials from where your pet spends most of its time. Similarly, if you have an outdoor area, ensure it is secure and won’t pose any risk to your pet during bad weather.
5. Develop a Care Plan
Consider a care plan for your pet in case you’re not home when a disaster strikes. Ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to check on your pet and have a set plan in place for its care.
6. Know Where to Go
Identify pet-friendly places or shelters beforehand, so that in case of evacuation, you know where you can take your pet.
7. Practice Drills
Just like we practice fire or earthquake drills, practice displacement and evacuation drills with your pet, so it’s prepared to follow cues during actual disasters.
8. Keep Your Pet’s Health Records Handy
Maintain a copy of your pet’s vaccination and other important health records in an easily accessible place. They might be required at pet shelters or boarding facilities.
9. Stay Calm
Lastly, remember that your pet takes cues from you. Remaining calm and collected can help alleviate their stress and keep them safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I evacuate my pet safely during disasters?
Use a pet carrier, a leash, or a harness to manage your pets during evacuation. Ensure they are wearing their identification tags and bring their emergency kit with you.
2. What should I include in my pet’s emergency kit?
An ideal emergency kit for pets should include their food, water, medicines, medical records, a leash, a blanket, comfort items, and a carrier if necessary.
3. How can I prepare my pet for disasters?
The best way to prepare your pet for disasters is by updating their identification, preparing an emergency kit, creating a safety environment at home, arranging a care plan, conducting drills, and remaining calm during actual disasters.
