Natural disasters don’t happen often, but they can be pretty scary for us and our pets when they do. Natural disaster preparedness is something we should all know about as it can be life-saving information. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some crucial things to consider when preparing for a natural disaster. It’s always better to be prepared in advance than to be scrambling for resources last minute. Here are some things to have ready in case of a natural disaster.
Have an Emergency Plan
Having an emergency plan is crucial. Knowing what you need to do before, during and after the disaster can help create a sense of calm with a plan of action in mind. Before any disaster or emergency, you should have a list of resources you know you can count on. These can include local shelters or friends and family that you can evacuate to in need of emergency. Before the crisis, you should also prepare emergency and evacuation kits, non-perishable food items, and clean drinking water. Knowing where to go and how to keep your pets calm and safe is most important during the storm. After a storm or disaster, plans can range depending on the outcome. Come out of hiding, return home, or call your local rescues or animal shelters to retrieve your pet. By having a plan, you’ll be sure of yourself every step of the way.
ID and Microchip Your Pet
Having a form of identification for your pet is extremely important. In the case your pet goes missing, these tags or chips can help rescuers identify your pet. The quicker they can locate your pet, the faster you will be reunited if separated during the natural disaster. The best way to keep your dog registered and identified is by microchipping your pet. Microchipping your pet is an excellent investment in keeping them safe and protected if they ever run away or get lost. Scanning a microchip is quick and easy and will not risk getting removed or lost like a collar. Make sure your microchip information is updated. Most lost dogs we find have microchips with incorrect info or have never been registered, preventing us from reuniting the dog with their owner. Any form of identification is better than none, so choose the best format available to you and your pet.
Make an Emergency Kit
Being prepared for anything is vital in a natural disaster. Having an emergency kit is one way to ensure you have the tools and resources for anything that may come up unexpectedly. A good emergency kit should include safe drinking water, some food, a first aid kit, and something comforting for your pet to ease anxiety and nervousness. Having clean drinking water is essential, so make sure you have some packed or bottled water stored for emergencies. The emergency food that you have should be canned food.
Dry food like kibble or easy to open packages can become contaminated if they are ripped open or torn in the case of a disaster. If your pet has a specific dry food diet, it can be vacuum-sealed in individual servings or daily allowances. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer try contacting the food manufacturer to see if they have sample packs. This will protect the majority of food even if one package is opened. It will also allow the dog to remain on their regular diet, avoiding compounding the disaster with dietary indiscretion, such as diarrhea- if the pet has a sensitive stomach or isn’t used to wet food.
A first aid kit should include basic aid materials and medications that your pet requires. Packing a blanket or a favorite toy for your pet can provide them with some familiarity and comfort if things get scary in an emergency. These items will remind them of their safe space at home. Be sure to include all these items in your emergency evacuation kit.
Create a Safe Space if You Stay Home
If the natural disaster does not require evacuation, having a plan and safe space is still essential. Be sure to create a space for your pets to hide in the case of an emergency. This space must protect them from natural disasters while also being comfortable and calming. Adding things like beds or crates may help your pet feel comfortable. Don’t forget to make this a comfortable space for you as well since your presence will be the ultimate comfort for your pets during this emergency.
Natural disaster preparedness can be a matter of life and death in some cases. Having the resources and tools you need to get you and your pets through emergencies is crucial. Be sure to share your emergency plans with our pet sitters when you book our services so we can take action accordingly. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry, so it’s never too early to plan for emergencies.