Everyone should have a GO KIT at the ready, in case of immediate evacuation orders. In case of immediate evacuation you and your family should have a plan in place- such as – A Meeting Place in case of separation and Neighbors lined up to check on your animals in case you cannot make it home to tend to them.
In case of a local disaster, you should have enough supplies on hand to Shelter in Place for at least 5-7 days…. follow these suggestions for Disaster Preparedness! Keeping you and your family safe!
Keep in Mind: Cellphone service is NOT working in times of disasters
GO KITS
- First Aid Kit
- Blanket
- Change of Clothing
- Non Perishable Food and Snacks for humans and animals
- Water
- Map of the Area
- Photos of you and your pets for Identification
- Copy of Vet Records, may be needed to get into a shelter
- Copy of Insurance Papers and Important documents
- CASH!
- Prescription medications
- Flash Light
- Whistle
- Rain Gear
- Gloves
- Rope
- Hand Sanitizer
- Personal Hygiene items
- Weather Radio
- DuctTape
- Batteries
- Pocket Knife
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen, Bug Spray!
- Paper and Sharpie Marker
- Pet Friendly Hotel List
For Animals:
- Rabies Tags, Medical History
- 2 week supply of medications
- 2 week supply of food and Water
- Towels
- Bedding
- First Aid Kit
- Transport Crate
Have your Disaster Plan in Place and PRACTICE!
Weather conditions and a hurried evacuation will cause confusion and panic – if you practice evacuating under normal conditions, it should go a bit smoother in an actual disaster.
True Story:
After a Tornado warning had been issued along with TAKE COVER Order…I was taking my 5 dogs to our Safe Place, which happened to be the Indoor Kennel… the dogs travel that path daily, I didn’t think anything would be difficult about going to the Safe Place. Add Lightning Crashing, Winds blowing stinging Rain sideways, Visibility minimal and now 5 really scared big dogs…when I opened the back door for us to make a run for it…5 Dogs went in 5 Different directions! That wasn’t part of the Evacuation Plan … Ideally they would follow me, under normal weather conditions. Lesson Learned: Anticipate changing weather conditions and get the dogs into the Safe Place before the storm is severe or take them one at a time on leashes!