Two history-making hurricanes in the past week have me thinking, just how READY AM I for an emergency?
Do the basics NOW
If the thought of evacuating your home, leaving with the clothes on your back and just your pets, is overwhelming, take it in small steps.
Here are three smart moves you can make to begin preparing for a disaster or emergency.
DOWNLOAD this brochure from FEMA.
It has good information about prepping your pets for emergencies. Plus, it’s free and you are encouraged to distribute the brochure to family and friends.
Write for a free window sticker.
Just fill out this form and submit it to get free decal alerts – they let rescue personnel know that pets are inside your home. The safety pack also includes an ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center magnet—a great way to keep the APCC’s (Animal Poison Control Center) toll-free emergency number and website address handy in case your Morkie gets into something he shouldn’t!
GET THE APP.
This free app shows pet parents exactly what to do in case of a natural disaster. It also allows pet owners to store vital medical records, and provides information on making life-saving decisions during natural disasters.
Access critical advice on what to do with your pet before, during, and after a major storm—even if there’s no data connectivity.
Store and manage your pet’s critical health records.
Receive a personalized missing pet recovery kit, including step-by-step instructions on how to search for a lost animal in a variety of circumstances.
Build a lost pet digital flyer that can be shared instantly on your social media channels.
Get the latest and most relevant news about pets and animal welfare. Click here to get the app.
More info on emergency preparedness at these sites:
The ASPCA’s Disaster Preparedness page
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Emergency preparations
The Red Cross – Top Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe During a Disaster
Printable Hurricane Preparedness List
Information from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Hurricane Preparedness brochure prepared by Brevard County, Florida
Charitable Group Red Rover, with tips on hurricane prep
Disaster Preparedness Kit Checklist from PetFinder