Your Pet and Safety Prepared by Barb and Jim Westcott Nebraska Disaster Awareness/Safety Captain Family Campers and RVers 2009

 Under no circumstances should you ever leave your pet tied outside or let them loose to fend form themselves  DO NOT leave unfamiliar foods and treats for your pets - this may cause then to overeat and have intestinal problems  Always keep exotic pets in a separate room  Paste labels clearly for rescue workers, so that they will know what kind of animals they may encounter

 Written family disaster plan  Disaster preparedness kit  Crate and bedding  Food water, water, manual can opener, and dishes  Plastic bags, paper towels, newspaper, disinfectant  Collar, leash, harness

 Muzzles  Gauze rolls  Identification tags  Current medical and vaccination records  Extra bottles of medications/copies of prescriptions  Current photos  Pet comfort items - towels, blankets, toys, special treats

 List of hotels, motels, and boarding kennels that will accept pets  Instructions for animal care for rescue workers  First aid kit (both human and pet)  Flashlights, batteries  Copies of health certificates  Out-of-state telephone contact  Flat tire repair kit

 Copy of your pet’s current vaccinations (update as necessary)  Copy of health and ownership records  List your pets medications (yours and your pets)  Copy of current prescriptions  A minimum of 3 days supplies of current medications

You may wish to have a contact person that is out of your area; in case your pet is lost of runs away during a disaster. Having this person’s name and phone number on your pets tags could be a great help if your pet is found and you can not be reached due to downed phone lines.

REMEMBER !

Keep a collar and Identification tag that includes your contact number on pets at all times Take updated pictures of your pets and put them in a safe place with your other important papers

 Provide your pets with access to shade and fresh, cool water  Don’t exercise you pets when it is especially hot outside  If the weather is hot, DO NOT encourage your dog to carry objects in it’s mouth – this interferes with their ability to pant and dissipate heat

 DO NOT dress your pets in vests, blankets or other coverings that could prevent them from sweating  Provide pets in cages with extra ventilation

Make sure you have a sufficient water supply If needed have a continuous source of power Try to minimize smoke inhalation Try to cool the air and reduce the chance of burn injuries

You can order a PET FIRST AID KIT From the American Red Cross, the ASPCA, PetSmart or put your own together

A pet first aid kit should include only materials that you know how to use: Bandaging material to cover wounds Animal antiseptic ointment Clippers Latex gloves Tweezers

If your pet is on prescription medication, keep an extra copy of the prescription in your pet’s disaster kit. Keep the prescription updated. You may wish to give a copy to your Out of Town Contact KEEP YOUR PETS VACCINATIONS CURRENT AND KEEP A COPY IN THEIR DISASTER KIT PHIDEAUX

“Preventable accidents are the number one cause of death and disability for pre-senior dogs & cats.”

 Prevention is best, being prepared is key,  Education and training are a must and  Quick intervention is necessary for potentially saving the lives of our beloved four-legged, furry family members

A book on the first aid for dogs or cats may be purchased directly from the Red Cross (at $16.95 a copy plus tax). For an slight (naturally) additional charge they will also ship to your home.

Contact the Heartland Chapter of the Red Cross At They have First Aid Classes Tuition is only $35 for either the Cat or Dog course Or $55 for both Cat and Dog

FEMA Emergency Management Institute Independent Studies Program IS-10 Modules A & B at ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Prepared by Barb and Jim Westcott Nebraska Disaster Awareness/Safety Captain Family Campers and RVers 2009