Disaster Preparedness for Pets

Summers in northeastern Wyoming can mean tornadoes, wicked hailstorms, and even wild fires. This American Red Cross message found it's way to Fur Kids Foundation, and we felt it was strong enough to share with others as well as have a conversation about disaster preparedness for pets.

Do you know what should you do to keep your pet safe during a storm? Does your pet's ID have your current address and phone / cell phone numbers listed on it? How much food and water, or even medications, does your pet need to stay healthy in case a disaster strikes? The best way to keep yourself and your family safe when disaster strikes is to have a good disaster plan. But, do you have one?

If you do, wonderful. If you don't, or if you want to make sure your plan is up to snuff, the Humane Society of the United States has created a disaster preparedness resource page that includes information on how to prepare for emergencies for pets, horses, farm animals and more. The page also has information specific to tornadoes as well as everyday emergencies such as when the electricity goes out, or there is a heat wave.

No matter what the specifics of your plan are, please follow this basic rule: If you are told to evacuate, leave immediately and take your animals. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them.

You can also find information on disaster preparedness at:

• American Red Cross
• ASPCA
• Federal Emergency Management Agency

• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
  
• U.S. Insurance Agents: Pet Disaster Preparedness for Renters & Homeowners: A Complete List
  

And, if you're looking for some mobile ready information, the ARC has created a host of mobile apps that you can download.

BTW: Fur Kids Foundation got a 100 percent on ARC quiz. Can you match that?

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