It is something no pet parent wants to think about. The stuff of nightmares, even. A natural disaster can strike at any time without fair warning. Tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and even volcano eruptions can take us by surprise. These deadly situations are just as dangerous for our pets as they are for us. Are you truly prepared to keep your furbabies safe?
Emergency Kit
An emergency kit can sometimes mean the different between life or death when disaster strikes. If you make your own, you will have the supplies necessary for your individual situation and animals. A kit would contain everything in a first aid kit and more. A travel sewing kit, a foldable plastic sack for drinking water, a foldable dish for water for your pets, and much more. You can include canned dog food and an extra leash, poop pick up bags, and any medications your dog may need. From injuries to basic needs, you and your pets can be taken care of with a well thought out emergency kit.
The Right Shelter
During natural disasters like hurricanes, shelters are made available for those who are not safe in their homes. Unfortunately, the vast majority of them simply do not allow pets of any kind. Some are even legally able to not permit service animals. Do your research during good times to find the nearest shelter that does allow pets so you are not scrambling to find what you need when disaster does strike. Have a list of possible safe shelters that allow pets in your emergency kit or even programmed into your phone for safe keeping.
A Fail Safe
Shelters open and close often depending on funding. The pet friendly shelters you have previously found may or may not still be open. What are you going to do if the one or two you found in your area are closed when you need them the most? Always provide yourself and your pets a safety net as a last resort. This can be a friend or family member outside of the disaster zone, or even a more secure home nearby. It may not be ideal or perfect, but it is far better and safer than leaving your pets at home to fend for themselves.
Untangled Mess
Your pet’s travel accessories should be ready to go at a moment’s notice. A dog’s leash, harness and collar must always be in an easily accessible place and untangled. This is not just for ease of use when you go for a walk, but natural disasters happen most often without sufficient warning. If a tornado touches down near your home, you should be able to quickly grab your dog’s leash, attach it to him, and head to a safe place without worrying about untangling anything. And remember, your dog should always be on leash and with you during any emergency situation.
When You Least Expect It
You can prepare as much as possible, but one thing that is extremely important to keep your pets safe during an emergency situation is yourself. Disaster always strikes when you least expect it. There is never a good time to handle them, but if you keep yourself calm and collected, you can focus on keeping yourself and your pets safe.
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