Keep Pets Safe by Practicing for an Emergency

By Linda Cole

I live in Tornado Alley, and when I bought my home one of the most important considerations was a basement. I wanted a secure area where I could leave my pets when it was stormy and I was at work. Emergencies can happen at any time, day or night, but too many families don't consider what might happen until a disaster is at their front door.

Practicing how you will handle certain kinds of emergencies can make a difference. Practice makes perfect, and when you know what to do and where to go, panic doesn't take over your mind. Practice gives you knowledge, and knowledge gives you the power and strength to move quickly in an emergency.

Having a plan is one of the best ways to keep yourself, your family and your pets safe in an emergency. Teaching kids what to do when they're home alone may not ease fears in an emergency, but it can help to keep them calmer so they can follow a plan instead of racing around trying to think what they should do and frantically searching for pets that may be hiding or forgetting about them altogether.

Pets have certain places in their home where they feel the most comfortable and safe. Some prefer a secluded place like under the bed or tucked away in a closet. It's important for everyone to know your pet’s favorite places because most likely, that's where you'll find them if they're hiding. Cats and dogs are pros at picking up how we are feeling and if we have anxiety and are frightened, they understand it. So it's important to know all of the possible hiding places your pet could go if they're scared. You can’t count on them answering you if they're frightened. Pets can freeze up with fear just like people can do.

I had a fire in my home many years ago. After the firemen put out the fire, I went into the house to try and find my cats. My dog was running around outside making new friends. I had left everyone in the basement and the fire was upstairs, so I was confident the cats were safe. I quickly found three of them sitting on the basement steps, but one was missing. After searching for over an hour, upstairs and downstairs, I finally found her sitting on a shelf at the bottom of the basement steps. With all the smoke in the air, I couldn't see her and she refused to answer me when I called her. My pets made it through their ordeal, but it taught me why it's important to know every possible hiding place in the house.

Because emergencies are different and affect everyone in the household, sit down with the entire family and talk about where to go, what to do, what to grab and how you will contain your pet in different emergency scenarios such as fires or tornadoes. Everyone should know where the emergency kit is kept, where a pet could be hiding and where leashes, pet carriers or cages are kept. I have two large dog crates already set up in the basement I can use for the cats or dogs if I need to contain them. I also have a large pet carrier and 3 smaller carriers just in case they might be needed. Once you know what to do, where to go and how you will keep your pets under control, then you need to practice 4 or 5 times a year, or more if you think it's necessary to help younger children understand what to do.

Take your pet to the safe area so he feels comfortable when it's important for him to be there, and include him whenever you are practicing your plan. Some of his favorite toys and a handful of CANIDAE TidNips treats can help make practice time a positive experience for your pet.

Having a plan and practicing it helps everyone feel less panicked if and when an emergency happens. We can't control Mother Nature, and house fires happen. The safety of your family and pet depends on knowing how to stay as safe as possible. Practicing a plan can help by keeping everyone calmer and thinking with a clear head. Practicing is what makes a plan work.

For related reading, see “How to Create Your Own Pet Emergency Kit” and “Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners.”

Photo by Ygonaar

Read more articles by Linda Cole

How to Create Your Own Pet Emergency Kit

By Tamara L. Waters

You never know when a natural or man-made disaster will occur. Perhaps you already have a family disaster kit stashed somewhere, but what about your pets? To prepare for something that is unexpected and unpredictable, you should plan ahead by putting together your own pet emergency kit. Use some of these tips to get started.

A Container for Your Pet Emergency Kit

To keep all of your supplies in one place, you will need some type of container. A lidded box, backpack or duffle bag can hold your pet emergency kit and keep all items together and ready. Protect your kit from water damage (in the event of flooding) by putting all emergency kit items inside a plastic garbage bag, tie it tightly, and then put the bag into your container. Be sure to label your container “pet emergency kit” with a permanent marker. Mark it prominently in more than one spot.


Necessary Items for Your Pet Emergency Kit

* Leashes and extra collars (one for each pet).

* Tie-out stakes and cables to contain dogs temporarily when necessary.

* Pet Food – enough for three or more days. Depending upon the size of your pet and the number of pets you have, you might be better off stocking your emergency kit with canned food (or a combination of canned and dry) in order to save space within your container. I have three large dogs, so dry food for all of them for three days would take up a great deal of space within the kit. Don't forget a package of treats for your pets and a can opener (if needed).

* Water – stock your kit with regular, 20-ounce bottles of water. Store one bottle per pet, per day. You should stock your pet emergency kit with enough water to last for three or more days.

* Towels can be used for warmth, bedding, comfort, cleaning or first aid for your pet. Stock one or two towels for each pet, depending upon how much room you have in your container.

* Toys – just like people, pets can get bored or anxious. Throw in a few chew toys or other items that will keep your pet entertained and comforted during an emergency disruption.

* Cat litter – fill a plastic zippered freezer bag with a few cups of cat litter. In a pinch during an emergency, a cardboard box can be dug out of the trash for a temporary litter box.

* Emergency numbers and plans – keep at least one printed copy of an emergency plan in your kit. You may need to refer to it if you become upset, confused or simply frazzled during an unexpected emergency. You should include phone numbers for your veterinarian, pet sitter or kennel, as well as any other pertinent information.

* Records – have an up-to-date copy of immunization records for each pet as well as a list of all medications and, if possible, copies of veterinary records for your pets.

* First aid supplies – check with your veterinarian for recommendations on first aid supplies. I include general first aid supplies like scissors, tweezers, bandage rolls, Betadine, stypic stick (to stop bleeding), and a book on animal first aid and medical care. If they are available, you can include various medications your pet needs.

Pet Carriers

While pet carriers probably won't fit into your pet emergency kit, keeping them stored with the kit is a good idea. Folding or pop-up pet carriers are ideal for limited storage space, especially if you have to travel due to an emergency and need to stash the carriers in your car when not in use. If you have hard shell pet carriers, be sure they are all together in an accessible place. A pet carrier that is buried under boxes and boxes of stuff in your garage or storage shed won't be any good in a sudden emergency.

Final Thoughts

Keep your emergency kit in an accessible spot where you can easily grab it and run if a disaster or emergency happens. You don't want to waste precious time looking for it. Keep an inventory list in the container that details each item in your pet emergency kit. Resist the temptation to take things out for daily use (as in, you're in need of an item and it's quicker to just grab it out of your emergency kit). If you must dip into your pet emergency kit, make sure you replace any item used. Check your kit regularly to make sure there is no damage from insects, rodents or water.

Planning ahead and preparing for an emergency or natural disaster (which you hope never happens) is how a responsible pet owner keeps their pets safe and sound in the event of an emergency.

Read more articles by Tamara L. Waters