   Emergency Preparedness - Keeping Fur & Feather Kids Safe |
Preparing For EmergenciesBeing ReadySeveral years ago, the Staff of The Sanctuary were given the gift of participating in one of Terri Crisp's Disaster Rescue Training Courses. The EARS, (Emergency Animal Rescue Service) program under the auspices of United Animal Nations, is one of the most comprehensive training programs in the country. Since that time, we have advocated for Disaster Planning in our community. What we learned through this study and work, is that preparation is the key to saving the lives of the Animals in our lives during disasters and other emergency situations. Here is some of what we've learned.IdentificationKeep collars with address and phone numbers written on them on all Animals that can safely wear them. Addresses are necessary as phones may not be working during a disaster. Even Cats who are normally indoors will benefit from collars during a disaster if displaced. Use breakaway collars that will easily slip of if caught on something for Cats. Place identification tags on the collars as well for easy identification if found.Many Animals can be microchipped, which is probably the most foolproof method of identification, and very adviceable for the many species who can not wear collars. Take pictures of all of the Companion Animals in your family, highlighting identifying markings. The pictures should be put in your emergency pack. Temporary RestraintsBecause Dogs can sometimes slip out of collars, harnesses can assist in restraining a Dog safely and often makes them more manageable in a stressful situation. Cats, Rabbits and Potbellied Pigs are also easier to deal with when using a harness when allowing them exercise while you are evacuated. Some practice time in a harness before an emergency situation is present is advice able. For Animals who ride in the car with you during normal times, keep leashes in the car in case a disaster occurs while you are out and about.Along with the harness and collars, you will also need leashes that are at least six feet long to use when walking them. Plastic airline carriers or collapsible wire crates are very important to have on hand. Transporting a loose Animal is always dangerous. Make sure the crate is large enough for the Animal to lie down in and still have room for necessary litter boxes, water and food bowls. For Birds, small Mammals and Herps, you will also want a secure transport cage or carrier that your Companion can be secured in and comfortably stay in for a few days. Make sure it is one that can not be chewed out of. Have a towel and net on hand to capture Birds and place in emergency cages if necessary. The towel can also serve as a cover to protect the Birds against drafts during evacuation. During a disaster you may have to stake your Dog as walls and fences that normally protect them from escape may be destroyed. This is dangerous though. Wandering Animals pose a threat and protection from extreme cold, heat, rain and snow must also be available. If staking is necessary, use a chain leash, not a leather one that can be chewed through. Do not stake your dog on an elevated area such as a porch that s/he can fall off of and potentially strangle. Metal stakes that screw into the ground can be purchased at pet stores. Be sure you buy one that is large enough to contain your Dog according to her/his size. Food and WaterHave a two week supply of your Companion's normal food, stored in airtight containers if dry food, on hand. Food should be rotated every three months. If you normally feed canned foods, you'll want to also pack a can opener and spoon. It is also possible that their food and water dishes may be lost or damaged, so pack new spill proof dishes with the food. Have cleaning supplies for the dishes, paper towels or rags, packed with these items. A two week supply of water should be stored in a dark place. Water should be rotated every two months.During a disaster it is important not to let Animals drink flood or drain water which may be contaminated. Feed as close to normal time as usual to minimize stress. First Aid and Medical IssuesVaccination records are very important to have on hand during an emergency. Place them in your emergency pack.Talk to your veterinarian about her disaster plan. If your Companion needs medical attention during a disaster, you need to know where to go. Part of your planning and preparation should be creating a list of Veterinarian Offices, including your primary Vet, a second choice and an Emergency Veterinary Clinic. Prepare an Emergency First Aid Kit. For items to include, see our Emergency Preparation Checklist. You may also want to include a book on first aid for Animals. Have a two week supply of any long term medication in your emergency kit. If it is necessary to keep medications refrigerated, have a chemical ice pack ready in your freezer and a ice chest for storage as a part of your pack. If you care for Rabbits, pack an extra thermometer, baby aspirin, a feeding syringe and Pedialyte. For Dogs, you may need a properly fitting muzzle to be used when treating injuries. Evacuation LocationsCreate a list of important locations in advance. Shelters for humans do not allow Animals. Finding an acceptable boarding facility and making note of it's location and phone number could prove invaluable. Your Vet's office may be one of the alternatives. Have several professional facilities on your list.Know where your local Animal shelter is so that if you are separated from your Companions you can check with them immediately. Create a list of friends you can turn to and who can turn to you if temporary lodging is necessary. Check with your neighbors and people outside of your area in case your entire neighborhood is in the path of the disaster. Have an evacuation plan worked out with your support system ahead of time. SanitationTo begin with, some basic cleaning supplies are necessary to pack. Dish soap, disinfectant, and paper towels will be invaluable. You will need these items to keep food dishes, cages and carriers clean.Other important items are scoopers for picking up after your dog, newspaper for lining carriers and cages, and plastic bags to contain waste. Have a two week supply available. For Cats and other small mammals, litter and litter boxes are also necessary. MiscellaneousYour emergency pack should also include toys and chew toys to help deal with boredom of confinement. Other important items are blankets, flashlights and batteries. The latter are essential to maintain light cycles for Birds. Birds will also need cuttle bones and some need gravel.Be sure to pack wire cutters, wire and pliers to repair metal emergency transport containers or cages. If you have to evacuate without your Animals, leave plenty of food and water. Leave a sign in front that lists the Animals you are leaving behind so that Rescue Workers know who to look for and save. If an Animal is afraid, and time permits, do not approach it. Be patient and let it come to you. Remember to give your Animals some extra attention. They are scared too and some comfort from you will go a long ways. Probably for both of you. Large Animal Emergency Checklist Resources and Training Opportunities |
|
Want To Add An Article? Be Notified Of New Kind Planet Content? Communicate With Us? Contact Kind Planet is created at The Sanctuary. Lost? Go to the Site Map or Search Our Site |
