It is a good idea to
be prepared for the unexpected such as a natural
disaster. A website that helps people be better
prepared for emergency situations is the Federal
Government's website at
www.ready.gov or you may call them at their
toll-free number 1-800-237-3239. Below are some
excerpts from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's
emergency preparedness checklist.
At a minimum, your
emergency kit should contain:
- 1 gallon of water
per person per day ( a minimum of three days)
- a three day supply
of non-perishable food (canned goods, dried and packaged
foods)
- a battery powered
radio with extra batteries (or a hand cranked radio)
- a flashlight with
extra batteries (or a hand cranked flashlight)
- a first-aid kit
with lots of bandages, ointments, alcohol/hydrogen
peroxide, etc.
- a whistle (to
summon help)
- filter masks (to
block dust)
- moist towelettes
- wrenches and
pliers (to turn off utilities)
- manual can opener
- garbage bags and
ties (for waste)
- duct tape and
towels (in case you need to block the outside air)
- personal
medications for all family members
-family documents
(important papers in case you have to start over again)
- credit cards and
cash
- extra pair of
glasses
- a change of
clothing for each family member
- blankets or
sleeping bags
- extra car keys
- any special items
needed for infants or the elderly or disabled
Each family should
assume that they will be required to survive upon their
own for three days before help arrives. Having a good
emergency kit can make a big difference.
According to the Humane
Society, no matter what the emergency, it is critical
that you take your pet with you. Pets left behind may
be lost, injured or killed.
The following is a checklist of items to have prepared
and ready to go.
q
Portable pet
carrier for cats, small dogs, other small animals and
birds. Clearly label the carrier with pet’s name, your
name, address and phone number. Get pet(s) accustomed to
carriers ahead of time. Keep in an easily accessible
place.
The following can be packed
in an airtight Rubbermaid or other suitable container:
q
Dry towels
or blanket to line carrier and use if
necessary.
q
Roll of
paper
towels.
q
Food and
water bowls for each
animal.
q
1-2 weeks
supply of food and water in airtight containers. Check
periodically and replace with fresh as needed. Include
your pet’s favorite treats and toys.
q
If you use
canned food, hand-operated can
opener.
q
1-2 weeks
supply of all medications your pet is taking clearly
labeled with administrative instructions. Be sure to
include flea preventative and Heartworm treatment. Check
these supplies periodically, and adjust and replenish as
needed.
q
Litter and
litter boxes for cats. Empty soda water boxes or
disposable aluminum pans are excellent as disposable
litter boxes.
q
Health
records including vaccinations in case of
evacuation or need to stay in boarding kennel or other
facility.
q
Collar with
current identification tag and
microchip.
q
Recent color
photographs of each pet in case they get
lost.
q
Check out
boarding kennel beforehand and keep the name and number
handy.
q
Numbers of
pet-friendly hotels and
motels.
q
Written
instructions on caring for your pet in the event you
must leave pet at the boarding kennel.
q
Animal First
Aid Kit (Ask your veterinarian what your pet will
need).
q
Leashes.
Keep extra in emergency
kit.
Your pet will be under severe
trauma during this time so keep his/her routines as
familiar as possible. Keep your pet(s) with you at all
times or in a safe boarding kennel. Do not leave a
pet at home alone. Take along familiar toys. Get
pet accustomed to riding in the car in advance to
alleviate some of the stress.
Also, don't forget
that our temperature is rising and summer is just around
the corner. So here are more tips from the Humane
Society to keep your pet safe and healthy during the
heat.
In case of an emergency, it's
important to be able to identify the symptoms of heat
stress caused by exposure to extreme temperatures. Check
the animal for signs of heavy panting, glazed eyes, a
rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst,
lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination,
profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple
tongue, and unconsciousness.
If the animal shows symptoms
of heatstroke, take steps to gradually lower her body
temperature immediately. Follow these tips, and it could
save her life:
- Move the animal into
the shade or an air-conditioned area.
- Apply ice packs or
cold towels to her head, neck, and chest or immerse
her in cool (not cold) water.
- Let her drink small
amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
- Take her directly to
a veterinarian.
In many states, it's
against the law to leave a pet unattended in a parked
vehicle in a manner than endangers the health or safety
of the animal. Despite these laws, not to mention a
basic common sense that should guide most pet owners
during the summer, companion animals die every year from
heatstroke. The worst part is knowing that each death
was preventable. That's why sharing this information is
so important. Summers, after all, are truly supposed to
be carefree.
Claudia S. Macias
Executive
Director
