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 Emergency Preparedness
is for Everyone
Californians are no strangers to emergency preparedness. Earthquakes, fires and floods have long been a part of the California lifestyle. Most of us are at least aware of the need to prepare in the event of an emergency and many take this quite seriously. Now with the "new" threat of terrorism which has come to our attention in this country, emergency preparedness is on everyone's mind. Having supplies for three days, family communication plans and even duct tape are all things to consider, but while making plans be sure to include your pet's safety and well being. The ASPCA has created an Emergency Preparedness video that is well worth checking out (especially since one of the TBF Alumni, Shelby, stars in it with Kim Cattrall of Sex in the City).
"The most valuable advice for preparing for your pet's safety
in case of emergency," says the ASPCA's Jacque Schultz,
Director of Special Projects," is to make certain that someone
has keys to your home in the event that you are unable to return
to care for your pet."
The ASPCA also recommends the following:
1. Emergency Sticker: The sticker should be placed where  emergency workers can see it such as near the front door or window. It should contain information on the number of pets in your home, the name and phone number of your veterinarian. The ASPCA through their website are offering free stickers, but you can also make one yourself.
2. Arrange a Safe Haven: This is very important as Red Cross shelters do not allow pets because of health and safety regulations. Leaving them behind could result in injuries or even worse.
- Your veterinarian will have a list of boarding facilities for use in an emergency.
- Identify hotels and motels outside of your immediate area which accept pets.
- Ask friends or relative outside of your immediate area if they would be willing to help with your pets in the event of an emergency.
- As a last resort, see if your local shelter will provide care in the event of an emergency.
 3. Emergency Supplies & Traveling Kit:
- First aid kit and guide book. (The one pictured to the right is sold by the American Red Cross)
- Pet canned (pop-top) or dry food
- Paper toweling
- Feeding dishes
- Extra Leash
- Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires. (Remember that food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit otherwise they will go bad or become useless.)
- Bottled Water
- Traveling bag or sturdy carrier, ideally for each pet.
- Flashlight
- Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet).
- Photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters).
4. Choose designated caregivers
Temporary Caregiver for short term care. Consider someone who lives close to your residence, maybe with pets of their own and form a reciprocal arrangement. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. They can check in on your pets and take care of daily tasks until your return.
Permanent Caregiver for long-term care. In the event that something should happen and you are unable to return, this person would essentially become a foster parent for your pet. Consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet. In this case, it is also a good idea to set up a financial trust for the care of your pet and name the Foster Parent as the Trustee. Trusts allow not only immediate access to the money, unlike a will, they can apply not only if you die, but also if you become disabled.
5. Evacuation Preparation
- Store an emergency kit (see above for list of suggested kit contents) and leashes as close to an exit as possible.
- Make sure all pets are collared with up-to-date identification.
- Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.
- Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding
 Have a travel crate in your car to confine your pet. This will make the trip safer for both you and your pet as pets can sense anxiety and stress.- Have an extra gallon of water in car
6. If evacuation is not an option
- Locate rooms well in advance that offer safe havens. In other words, selected rooms that are clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc. Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms, and basements as safe zones for your pets.
- Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important.
- In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage and other more foreseeable crises.
- In the event of flooding, look for the highest location in your home, or for a room with access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.
The above tips are courtesy of the ASPCA. For more information, visit their website at www.aspca.org
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Fax: (310) 860-9362