Disaster Preparedness

Tips that will help keep you and your pets safe in an emergency.

Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: August 17, 2007 - 10:43 AM

Originally published in TC Dog in 2005.

The following tips will help keep you and your pets safe in an emergency.

Before disaster strikes:

Have your pets permanently identified with a microchip. This will help you be reunited with them should you become separated during an emergency.

Carry photographs of your pets in your wallet.

Prepare a disaster kit for your pets that includes food, leashes, crates and other necessary supplies.

Make a list of local, pet-friendly accommodations where you can stay with your pets.

Include your pets in your home evacuation plans. Knowing how your pets will be removed from your home and who is responsible can save valuable time.

If you must abandon your pets during an evacuation:

Confine your pets to the most protected area of your home. Depending upon the circumstances, this may be a different part of your house. If flooding is a concern, confine your pets to the upper floors. In case of tornado, a basement may be the safest place.

In the area of the house where your pets are confined, provide large amounts of water by filling sinks and bath tubs. Remove toilet bowl cleaners, flush several times, and leave toilet seats up. Provide additional water in dishes on the floor. For small animals, provide ramps both into and out of, tubs, toilets, and sinks.

Provide ample portions of dry pet food. Moist food will become moldy very quickly.

Provide enough food and water to last much longer than the time period you expect to be gone.

Post signs outside your home that indicate animals are inside and may need to be rescued.