RICHMOND, Virginia –
Being prepared for an emergency means thinking about the needs of all family members — including pets.
During National Preparedness Month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggests, along with making an emergency kit for your family, make a second kit for your pet and develop a pet care buddy system.
Defense Logisitics Agency Installation Management Richmond encourages employees to get ready for emergencies by accessing information on the Ready.gov website which includes a Prepare Your Pets for Disasters brochure, and other helpful preparation tips.
Advanced planning is key. If you must wait out a storm or other disaster at home, identify a safe area of the home where you can all stay together. Place the emergency supplies in that room ahead of time and include your pet’s crate and supplies.
If evacuated, do not leave your pet behind! Pets most likely cannot survive alone. Prepare a smaller pet emergency kit to take with you.
Suggested items in a pet emergency kit include food and water for three days, medicine, leash, tags and shot record, special toy, litter pan and food dishes.
Other items pet owners may consider include:
- Checking with a local animal shelter or emergency management office to determine if a pet-friendly emergency shelter will be set up near your location in the event you have to leave your pet behind.
- Making a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that may shelter animals and include 24-hour telephone numbers.
- Setting up a buddy system with neighbors or friends to help if you can’t get to your pet.
- Using a ‘pet inside’ sticker to let first responders know you have a pet.
- Getting your pet micro-chipped. A microchip is a small device that can be implanted painlessly under your pet’s skin and will assist in reuniting you with your pet in the event you are separated from them.
Commit today to preparing your family and pets for an emergency.
(Editor’s note: information compiled from FEMA’s Ready.gov website)