Disaster Preparedness

From LoveToKnow Cats

Our resident cat expert, Wendy Nan Rees, offers advice on disaster preparedness for our pets.

How Prepared Are You?

How many of us are really prepared when Mother Nature comes to call? Will you be? I found out how important an emergency plan is due to the unprecedented fires we recently had here in California. I had an emergency plan not just for myself, but for my pets as well. So my pets and I were ready, but some people were not that lucky. Luckily for us, the fires were located miles away from our home, so we weren't in any immediate danger, but the situation could have changed very quickly with those strong winds.

When disaster hits, will you and your pets be prepared?

You should have an emergency plan in effect for whatever may come, and it doesn’t have to be Mother Nature either. What if you are in an area that has a massive blackout, or there is a gas leak in the neighborhood and they evacuate everyone? No one ever knows when it is going to happen, and lots of people don’t plan, because “It can’t happen here”. I am here to tell you today, it can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone.

Gather Supplies

In case you have to leave, here is a list of things you should have on hand. I personally feel that you should have food, water and medications for at least seven days for you and your pets.

Not only should you have a disaster plan for yourself, you should have one prepared for your pets as well. The list I have compiled here contains items that I feel are essential for you to have for your pet, in case of any emergency that may come up. They are:

A health record for your cat, which should include:
- Vaccination records
- Vet’s contact info
- Any other pertinent medical information
- Enough prescription medication for one week
Always have your carriers, leashes and pet dishes ready to go.
Keep photos of your cats in your wallet for identification purposes.
Pack extra blankets and a manual can opener.
Use plastic bags to contain pet waste.
Pack pet wipes as a quick substitute for a bath.
Include a thermal blanket in case temperatures drop unexpectedly.

Most importantly, always make sure your gas tank is at least half full, and try to evacuate early. You want to be ahead of the disaster, not behind it.

What if Your Pet is Lost?

In all the confusion that a hasty evacuation entails, it's all too possible that you might become separated from your pets. Be proactive and make sure that every cat you own is wearing a collar and an identification tag with his name on it, as well as your name and phone number. Include a phone number for a third party you can check in with in case you can't be reached. This is the surest way to reconnect with your lost pet.

“Remember, the animals in your life are not just your pets; they’re your friends” WNR