Emergency Preparedness. Today is Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Just as humans are urged to be prepared for natural disasters at all times, it is equally important that we remember to prepare for our four legged family members who cannot fend for themselves in a time of crisis. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the US Department of Homeland Security want pet owners to be aware of how to properly plan for emergencies for all of your family members.
A few weeks ago, I shared with you tips for ensuring your pet’s safety during a tornado. FEMA and US DHS offer tips for not only dealing with tornadic emergencies, but also hurricanes, pandemics, and other natural disasters. The number one tip is to never evacuate your home and leave your pets behind. Because many shelters do not allow pets during a disaster, it’s important to learn the rules before a crisis arrives. Pet owners must always have a “back up plan” in case the rules change!
Additional tips include what to include in a pet emergency supply kit, tips for identification, and other useful information. To see the public service announcement about Animal Disaster Preparedness, look here. For additional information on how to plan for your pets in case of natural disasters, check out the Ready website.