Published: October 08, 2008 08:06 am      

Include pets in your family disaster plans

Our pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. My husband and I often wonder what people without pets do for entertainment and stress relief. In turn, they depend on us for their safety and well-being. Here’s some tips about how you can be prepared to protect your pets if and when disaster strikes.

Disaster plan

The best way to protect your family from the effects of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being prepared can save their lives.

Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a tornado, an earthquake or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home.

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured, lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.

Safe place for pets

Evacuation shelters generally cannot accept pets because of states’ health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in most shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

• Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size and species. Ask if “no pet” policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of “pet friendly” places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for reservations.

• Ask friends, relatives or others outside the affected area whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.

• Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.

• Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last resort.

Assemble disaster kit

Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you’ll need essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:

• Medications and medical records, proof of vaccinations, (all stored in a waterproof container) and a first aid kit.

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure your animals can’t escape.

• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.

• Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan and can opener.

• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.

• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

Know what to do

• Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.

• Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets.

• Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.

• Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.

• Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet’s ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

(Source: Connee Wheeler, Extension associate for Family and Consumer Sciences, University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture)

Extension homemakers

A few weeks ago, I wrote about Extension homemakers and what an active group they are. If you are interested in joining or finding out more information, you will have two opportunities to do so over the next couple of weeks.

At 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, the Extension Homemakers will host a membership roundup at the Extension Center, 230 Duncannon Lane, Richmond. Representatives from most of the 18 traditional clubs and seven specialty clubs will be on hand to answer questions and explain when and where their clubs meet.

At 12:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the Berea Intergenerational Center behind the Russel Acton Folk Center, a new club will be conducting an organizational meeting. Anyone interested in joining is invited.

Hope to see you at one of these events. Don’t miss out on joining this busy and fun group. Call 623-4072 for more information.

Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.