Pledge to prepare: create an emergency preparedness plan for your pets

September is FEMA’s National Preparedness Month, which is intended to encourage us humans to get prepared for emergencies. We’re particularly on alert this month in the wake of Hurricane Isaac.

But if there was an emergency and you had to evacuate in 5 minutes or less, do you have a plan for your pets?

Unfortunately, we see it all the time on the news: Survivors of a catastrophic event saying those heartbreaking words, “I never thought this could happen to me.”

Don’t put yourself in that position. Take our pledge to prepare today, and create an emergency preparedness plan that includes your pets.

Leave no pets behind
The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act was passed in 2006 after the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Authorities realized that many people would choose to remain in danger if they were not allowed to bring along their pets.

While the PETS Act required law enforcement to incorporate animals into their community’s emergency plan, many pet owners still do not have an individual plan for their pets in the event of an unexpected crisis.

One easy way to prepare your pets for emergencies is to place this sticker on the window closest to your front door.

Being prepared is as simple as preparing a pet emergency kit with some of the following items:

• One-week supply of food stored in a water-proof container. (Rotate regularly.)
• One-week supply of fresh water.
• Hard copies of each pet’s updated vaccination records.
• Extra supply of medication. (If refrigeration is necessary, easy access to a small igloo.
• Pet first aid kit.
• List of regional pet-friendly hotels.
• Carrier or leash for each animal.
• “Pets Inside” stickers on all entrance doors to your home.

In addition, create a family emergency plan that includes your pets. We have some tips prepared that will help. In addition, browse through the American Red Cross, Red Rover and Weather Channel resources.

Your pets will thank you.