If something major happens during school, how do you meet up with your child? What if local emergency agencies mandate an evacuation? Where does your family meet? And … what about the family pet?
A family emergency plan is not just about the physical safety of you, your spouse and the kids. A pet, after all, is part of the family. Whether your pet is a dog or a cat, a combination or something else, your plan should include how to get to the pet if an evacuation is ordered while you are at work or simply not home.
In a non-evacuation scenario, remember if you need then your pet needs it. This means: food, water, and shelter. If you use canned food, be sure to remember a can opener. Dog owners should include an extra collar and leash. Cat owners should consider having an extra litter pan and litter handy if the situation necessitates it. Just like a child, if your pet has a comfort toy or blanket, include it as well.
After a storm – like Tropical Storm Andrea – your pet should never drink tap or standing water. This water could contain various contaminants. Provide your pet with bottled water instead. You yourself should also be drinking bottled water after a disaster, such as a flood or hurricane, in which your water treatment plant might have had to use extra chemicals to combat excess bacteria.
Microchips are a great precaution. This tiny chip is inserted under your pet’s skin like a vaccination shot. The chip has a number in it which your vet should give you a copy of; Banfield Veterinarians give the pet owner a sheet with three stickers on it. Each sticker has the pet’s number on it. If you have a dog, maintain current registration tags but do consider the microchips as well. Tags can easily fall off the collar or someone could happen upon your pet and try to lay claim. The microchip is registered through your vet and cannot be argued.
Put your vet on ICE. No, not “that” kind of ice! ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. You should do this with your physician too as many EMTs will look for this information as an emergency contact if you cannot speak.
Protect your documents. Keep a record of your pet’s medical records in a fire safe box along with those of your family. Include current photos as well.
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