Make a Disaster Plan for Your Pets

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Is your beloved pet ready for a disaster? If you have to evacuate your home, be prepared to take your pet with you ... safely and comfortably.

Having to evacuate in the face of a hurricane, flood, wildfire or other natural disaster is disorienting enough for people. If you own a pet (or pets), you know they are an important part of your family. You need to plan for their safe evacuation, too.

Even if you expect to evacuate for only one day, plan for the worst-case scenario. In unpredictable circumstances, pets can be trapped, escape, be exposed to life-threatening hazards or even starve.

Determine Where Your Pets Can Stay

Once you know evacuation is a possibility, identify a place where you can stay with your dog or cat.

• Check with hotels to see which ones allow animals.
• Ask family and friends whether they’re willing to host you and your pets.
• Contact your local emergency-response agencies to learn which shelters allow animals and what their requirements are (such as medical records).
• Consider boarding and kennel facilities and veterinary offices for emergency housing.

If you’re away from home, make a plan with a trusted neighbor or friend who can evacuate your pets if necessary. Make sure they know where to find your pet and its supplies.

Pack a Pet Go-Bag

The ASPCA Disaster Preparedness recommends you stock these items in a pet go-bag.

• Collar with ID tag, contact number and rabies tag
• A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
• 3 to 7 days worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (replace every two months)
• Bottled water, at least seven days worth for each person and pet
• Pet feeding dishes
• Extra harness and leash (harnesses are recommended for safety)
• Copies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (replace every two months)
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
• Litter and paper towels
• Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
• Disposable garbage bags for cleanup
• Flashlight
• Blanket (for comforting an anxious pet)
• Recent photos of your pets (in case you need to make a lost poster)
• A photo of you and your pet together to document ownership
• Your pet’s favorite toy, treats and bedding
• If your pet has been microchipped, make sure your contact info is up to date

If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Hartford has specialized training and experience in natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation, fire restoration services and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Hartford (860.206.6141) any time.

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If your home or business suffers damage from a storm or other natural disaster, call SERVPRO of West Hartford today at 860.206.6141