JUNE is National Pet Awareness Month
Your pets depend on you for their well being. Your family’s disaster planning should include your animal family members too!
Emergency preparedness includes preparing for your pets. Make a plan that includes you, your loved ones, and your pets. When you prepare your Go Bag, assemble one for your pet too.
Items for a Pet Go Bag for our typical household pets:
- Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet. Practice loading them into these to establish familiarity.
- Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container. A collapsible bowl may prove handy. Pack some treats too!
- Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
- First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
- Extra collar and leash.
- Health care. Copy of Vaccination records, Veterinarian contact information, list of current medications and a several days supply.
- Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and pet waste bags.
- A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
- Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
For larger animals, consider adding these items:
- Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
- Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance. Consider driving those routes periodically to make sure they are viable.
- Have vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Make arrangements with experienced handlers and drivers.
- Plan destinations that have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
More information is available at Ready.gov
Got Water?
LAMORINDA CERT has water storage container sales twice a year. Check their website at LAMORINDA CERT enter Martinez Area CERT as your local CERT group. Link
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