Disaster Response Planning Tips

Start with the basics; decide on when to evacuate such as in the case of a fire or when to hunker down.  Formulate two plans and work your plan from there.  Preparing yourself before a decision must be made will keep you and your animals safe.

First things first, if something happened how quickly can you get your family and your pets out of harms way?  Pre- plan who takes what animal so in the event of a pending evacuation you aren't wasting valuable time figuring this out.  Have crates for each small animal and ensure they easily accessible and labeled with your contact information.  If you have a heads up of a pending disaster pre-stage everything as if you are going to evacuate.  Time is not your friend in most disasters.  

Help Rescue Workers Help Your Pets.  If you are unable to evacuate your pets you can take steps to help others rescue them.    Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet.  When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where rescuers and you can easily find them. Affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.  You can get these stickers from ASPCA.

Keeping your pets and livestock up to date on immunizations will not only protect them when they have a lowered immune system, such as in high stress situations, but will allow them access into shelters and boarding facilities.  Make sure you pre-stage any medication for your pets and for yourself too.  Have copies of Vet records and their contact information. 

Nothing is more heart wrenching than seeing your animals suffer because you cant get food or water out to them.  For livestock and farm animals this is sadly the most common reason animals don't survive post disaster. This is not a one size fits all solution so begin planning for each animal now.  Can you relocate your animals ahead of time, do you have one week of food on hand for each animal and a water option.  

In a large event shelters will be opened to provide temporary safety for you and your pet but there are limitations and requirements.  Prepare your pet crates, medications, and ensure your pets are up to date on all immunizations.  Another tip is to have a copy of medical records and your contact information taped to the crate and on the animal in advance.  

If you have larger animals like horses or goats you will need to have your backup relocation plan on where to relocate them to.  Trailers and other vehicles should be in good working condition and easily accessible for a quick evacuation.  

What are the Red Cross Shelter requirments for Pets?

Shelter requirements vary so contact your local Red Cross as part of your planning process.  For the most part animals are allowed  in some shelters but must be crated and cared for by the owner.  They dont and can't babysit your animals.  Up to date Immunizations may also be required.

What if something happens and I can't get home to evacuate my pets?

Communication is key at this point.  You will need to inform first responders of your dilemna.  This is where proper identification on your pet can be the difference between seeing them again or not.  

Do not put your life in danger, let the professionals handle it from here.  

How do I find a lost pet?

Contact your local shelters.  Often there will be a number or website set up to reunite all loved ones.