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Battalion Chief of Santa Monica Carl Bjerke with Christina Selter
Have your Pet Pack ready!
First things first, to prepare for an emergency start with a plan... not just for how to leave, but what you will need to have with you to keep your pet safe, warm, fed, healthy and as calm as possible.
The PETS Act of 2006 (Pet Evacuation & Transportation Standards Act) requires local and state emergency preparedness authorities to include in their evacuation plans how they will accommodate household pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster of evacuation. However, it is up to YOU to be prepared, and by planning ahead you ensure your pets' safety and health.
Keep all of your emergency items in a small carrier or duffle bag near your crate or travel safety gear for easy access. In an emergency, you can then simply grab your Pet Pack and go! And always remember, if you evacuate your home, DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND!
If you are at work when the evacuation occurs, have your neighbor's contact information on you (make sure they are up for the task ahead of time) so you can send them in to retrieve your pet and emergency Pet Pack. They will need to be able to access your home (maybe make a set of keys for them) or permission to remove a window. Your Pet Pack should be easily accessible and this person should know your pet, as he or she may become scared if a stranger comes into your home. Have all of this in writing for them and each of you keep a copy.
Now for the pre-planning stages, get started with getting things out that you would need to pack:
- Extra leash and collar or harness with current ID tag
- Bedding (this can be as simple as an old towel or sheet)
- Food for minimum of three days in ziplock bags, snacks (if canned food keep an opener in your pack) and be sure to mark the expirations dates with permanent ink
- Medicines if applicable (mark expirations dates with permanent ink)
- First aid kit (or make your own)
- Disposable waste baggies
- Clean fresh water (keep track of expiration dates)
- Travel bowls (2)
- Current ID tag/chip (must keep updated when you move or change phone numbers)
- Copy of your pet's medical & vaccination records (keep in zip lock bag)
- Toy or chew products to help them stay calmer and preoccupied
- Pet Safety Kit with your pets photo from Bark Buckle UP
- Pet's insurance policy keep policy (keep copy with your medical records)
- Make sure to check for and replace expired products on a regular basis
- Mark your carrier with you and your pet's information with permanent ink
- In flood areas, have a PFD (pet flotation devise - doggie life vest)
- In fire area, have an extra towel that you can get wet and put over your crate to help with bad air or smoke
- Towels or paper towels for quick clean ups
- List of family or friends where you can go to stay, including phone numbers, addresses and a list of pet friendly hotels or pet boarding facilities out of your area
- List of friends or family who are allowed to remove your pet or pick your pet up if you are unable to and supply to the facility with phone numbers and your signature.
DO NOT WAIT UNTIL DISASTER STRIKES TO BE PREPARED.
Photo: Fire Battalion Chief of Santa Monica Carl Bjerke with Christina Selter Pet Safety Expert Bark Buckle UP, Betty & Princess photo taken by Chris Selter
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