Disaster Preparedness Checklist

By being prepared with a well thought-out disaster plan, you can potentially save your pets' lives in an emergency. When planning, it is important to consider what types of disasters you are likely to encounter based on where you live. For example, some areas are prone to hurricanes, whereas anyone can experience a fire or flood, regardless of geographical location. Following are some general guidelines for disaster preparedness that you can act on immediately:

• Ensure your pets wear at least two current forms of identification. You may want to consider a microchip implant combined with tags on a collar. Also keep the information current if you have registered with any lost and found databases.
• Ask your veterinarian for "Save My Pet" stickers and be sure to place them on your front and back house doors and on windows to alert emergency workers that pets are in your home. If possible, list the number and types of animals in your household. Should you be unable to go inside to retrieve your pets during a disaster, this sticker could help rescue workers find the animals in your house.
• Start a buddy system with a neighbor so they can check on your pets during a disaster in case you're not home. Agree to do the same for their pets. Remember to also exchange veterinarian information.
• Ensure your pets' vaccinations are up to date. Keep an extra copy of your pets' health information in your pet disaster
  preparedness kit.
• Assemble a pet disaster preparededness kit containing a pet first-aid kit.

When planning for a disaster, consider the following two scenarios: evacuating your home or riding it out at home.