3 minute read
Dr Beth Spencer has personal experience with evacuating her home. A wildfire crept close to Dr Spencer’s home last summer. She was told to leave her home with little notice, and left with her son and 2 dogs.
It made me think about the best preparation for times “when we only have our car and ourselves,” she says. Natural disasters like wildfires or other natural disasters can strike unexpectedly.
There’s no need to scramble to stay safe: prepare ahead of time! Dr Spencer, the Medical Director of Goodheart Broadway, lists tips below.
Thinking ahead: emergency essentials for pets
Is your pet microchipped? If not, we strongly recommend it. Microchips are important for reuniting people and their pets. They are a vital link to your missing pet during emergencies or natural disasters.
For pets who are already ‘chipped, ensure your contact info is up to date. Visit the microchip website and ensure it’s linked to your name, correct address, and phone number.
Pets should also wear a collar, tag (Goodheart gives you a beautiful one!), and a rabies tag.
A few more tips include:
- Decide which family member is responsible for each pet and child during an evacuation. Designate a meet-up spot inside (or outside) your home.
- Know local evacuation routes ahead of time. And research pet-friendly hotels or boarding facilities along that route so you have a plan.
Emergency stickers
Place a sticker near your front door to alert EMS crews about pets in your home. Include your pet’s name(s). This can be helpful during a fire. If you evacuate, update the sticker to reflect this.
An emergency kit for your pets should include:
- Dr Spencer recommends having at least 3 days of food and water (for humans and pets).
- An extra leash, collar, poop bags, kitty litter, and pet carrier (especially for cats and smaller dogs).
- A first aid kit and towels.
- A light source (flashlights or glow sticks), a crank-powered radio, and paper maps (remember those?!).
- A photo of you with your pet for proof of ownership, essential medical records, and pet medications.
Keep pets safe once you return home
Returning to your community after a disaster comes with its own set of challenges.
Here are a few tips:
- Keep pets (especially dogs) leashed in your yard to avoid them feeling scared and running away. Keep cats in their carrier until you have a safe room for them.
- Dr Spencer reminds us that different wildlife might have migrated into the area (foxes, skunks, etc).
- Have a good look around your backyard to ensure that debris, sharp objects, or downed power lines cannot harm your pets. Clean your yard before allowing pets outdoors alone.
- Check water quality. Use bottled water until tap water is deemed safe.
- If your home has water or mold damage, clean and disinfect the areas where pets sleep to prevent illness.
Planning ahead can make all the difference in keeping every family member—furry or not—safe during an emergency.
Goodheart is here to help you with questions about your pet on any topic. Please call us or schedule an appointment online.