Create an Evacuation Plan for Your Pets
September 4, 2019
An evacuation plan is a necessity for every home, especially if you live in an area where fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding and other disasters are a possibility. Many homeowners create evacuation plans for their homes and practice them with their kids, but far fewer have considered one for their pets. Take these steps to add your pets to your evacuation plan.
Assign pet evacuation to an adult. Everyone should know how to act during an evacuation and that includes assigning one parent or adult to the pets. This allows the other parent and the children to focus on their part of the evacuation plan, so there’s no confusion during a high-stress moment when time is of the essence.
Keep evacuation maps and pet carriers readily accessible. If you need to evacuate, you should know exactly where every important item is. If your pets require carriers, keep them in a place that you can access easily.
Most focus on the Bug Out Bag for the family (a self-contained kit designed to get you through at least 72 hours), but don’t forget about your furry family members. You’ll want to think about your pet’s needs…leash, pet food, water, pet bowls, toys, vaccination records in a water-proof container and a blanket or pet bed.
Practice your plan. Include your pets in your home evacuation drills. It’ll help you see how they will respond and make changes to your plan if necessary. Getting your dog out of a window may not be as simple as you think!
Be prepared in case you get separated from your pets. No matter how much you drill your evacuation plan, it’s possible that a dog or cat will run off while you’re focusing on keeping your family safe. A microchip or a GPS-compatible tag can help you find your pets once it’s safe to return to the area.
If you plan now, you can be ready for any disaster coming your way. Stay prepared and be safe.
Related article:
The Dog Bug Out Bag – A Survival Kit for Man’s Best Friend
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