Preparedness in Fire Season

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By Lauri Julian

September is National Preparedness Month. With wildfire season upon us, this is a good time to create (or update) your pet preparedness PLAN. If you have children, get the whole family involved. You can make it a fun weekend project. No one thinks clearly in a panic. If an unforeseen situation happens, your PLAN will guide you step by step. Make a checklist of what you need to do, and in what order, in case of emergency. Keep a copy online and a hard copy in a protective plastic cover (store it inside your emergency kit, which should be a sturdy, airtight and waterproof container).

When creating your PLAN, consider the following: •

Make sure pet medications are easy to grab if you need to evacuate in a hurry. Keep copies of prescriptions in your emergency kit.

Know a safe place to take your pets. Find out in advance which hotels and shelters accept animal guests, other than service animals. Ask if “no pet” policies could be waived in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you need to evacuate.

Find out which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.

Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house them separately. Know your cat’s hiding places to find them easier when you evacuate.

Include your pets in evacuation drills so they become used to calmly entering and traveling in their carriers.

Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.

For large animals, contact your local fairgrounds, stockyards, equestrian centers, friends, etc. about their policies and ability to take livestock temporarily in an emergency. Have several evacuation routes in mind. If you don’t have your own truck and trailer, make arrangements with local companies or neighbors before disaster strikes. For more guidance, visit the Cal

Fire website.

Assembling your pet emergency kit. Items to consider include:

Copies of prescriptions, vet records and/or proof of ownership First-aid kit specifically for pets Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since some dogs and cats could look similar, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion. Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets Two-week supply of food in watertight containers, can opener, bottled water, unbreakable food and water bowls

Extra harnesses and leashes, familiar toys, towels, or light blankets

Litter, scoop, and small litter box

Paper towels, disinfectants, small plastic garbage bags for used litter, waste disposal and garbage

Plastic tarp, large plastic garbage bags, flashlight, extra batteries in sealed plastic bag

If you have birds or other small animals, keep a transport cage or crate ready to go.

All pets should be micro-chipped, and their information updated yearly. Have collars with tags. Have leashes and harnesses for each pet. If pets do not usually wear a collar or harness, store one in your emergency storage container.

Keep carriers (one carrier per pet) with bedding near the emergency container or other easy to access location. Put one of your items of clothing in the crate, it could make them feel less stressed if you need to evacuate. Tape your pet’s photo with contact information inside the carrier (laminate or place in protective, waterproof sleeve), just in case someone else is evacuating your pets.

If given orders to evacuate your home, do not leave your pets behind. Do not wait until the conditions are extreme. But if you have no choice, leave “Pets Inside” stickers or notes on doors and windows with contact information. If you have evacuated with your pets, leave a note on the door saying, “Evacuated with pets.”

Have a plan with your neighbors to check up on each other. Connect with them in advance and coordinate any evacuation efforts in case either of your families aren’t home when you must evacuate. Let them know where they can find your emergency kit and tell them your PLAN. Suggest they have a PLAN as well. In the case firefighters will be evacuating your pets, place a sticker on your front window indicating how many, and what types of animals you have. Make an exit plan in advance. To find out which motels or hotels in your area accept pets, websites such asTripsWithPets have quick information on pet friendly accommodations. Keep your vehicle serviced and gassed up. Above all, stay calm and be prepared. Humans and animals have survived every kind of disaster for many years. Additional disaster preparedness for pets can be found on the ASPCA and Red Cross websites. You can also help protect pets by spreading the word about disaster preparedness. Download, print and share FEMA’s brochure. Lastly, be sure to share this information with family and friends!