Earthquake and pets advicePETS earthquake advice from the Humane Society, The Independent Living Resource Center and other sources:
Consider having the vet 'microchip' your pets.
You
need
extra pet food/water,
cat litter/box,
a 1 month supply of pet's regular
medications,
sturdy leashes, harnesses, slip-leads and collars and a good pet carrier to transport pets safely and help ensure they will not escape
yard tie-out anchor,
blanket for
bedding,
a favorite toy,
and you might wish you had a muzzle sized to your dog.
You may also want neosporin ointment for minor wounds. (Animals can easily get cut after an
earthquake. Ask your vet if there is anything specific you should include for your animal.)
Pets may not be allowed at emergency shelters due to health regulations, etc. (Service animals
might be allowed). Have proof of corrent vaccinations. Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels outside your immediate area in case you
have to relocate.
DO NOT try to hold your pet during the quake.
Animals will instinctively protect themselves
and hide. If you get in the way, even the nicest pets can turn on you. Outdoor pets should be kept
inside until the aftershocks have subsided and they have calmed down.
If you pet is injured, approach slowly and cautiously.
Watch the body expressions and sounds your pet makes to warn you. Even your own pet can be aggressive when in pain or frightened. A cat might crouch with ears flattened to it's head. A dog might snarl and it's hair might raise on it's back/hind. Yes, even your favorite family pet.
Quick, jerky movements, or loud voices can scare your pet.
When necessary to treat or move a cat or small dog, use a large towel or blanket to subdue them. You might wish you had tried this in advance to know how you pet might react.
The Red Cross sells pet
first aid books and has pet first aid classes.
Your pet should wear a securely fastened collar and
ID tag.(ID tags and license should be current.) You'll need proof of current vaccinations to be
able to board your pet.
IF your pet is lost, walk your neighborhood slowly and call out your pet's name. Inform as many
people in the neighborhood as possible so they can keep a lookout. (Have a current picture of
your pet to show around. A current picture of you and your pet together can help prove ownership.)
Check found animals ads in the paper and run a lost pet advertisement. (During the most recent big quake in our area the cats ran off for days, but came back on their own. The local major newspaper ran the lost pet ad for free.)
Visit the
local shelter every day. Make a flyer with pet's name, description, photo, and your name and
phone number.
If you have to board your pet, try to visit daily.
You can order a free pet rescue sticker for your front window from www.aspca.org
When an evacuation is needed your pets need to go with you. They might escape from a damaged home and are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation or predators. They might consume contaminated food or water.
This is a link to the detailed Red Cross page on animals' safety in a disaster:
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/animalsafety.html
and from the Centers for Disease Control:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/petprotect.asp
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Disaster planning
earthquake home hazards survey
You can find detailed maps (with zoom in capability) of potential road closures, risk of liqufaction and flooding, such as this map of potential Bay Area road closures after a San Andreas fault 7.2 quake,
at the ABAG link at: Earthquake information sources
Helping Children Cope With Disaster
Disaster Supplies
Store water for after an earthquake
Babysitter Consent and Contact Form
Fast, easy, cheap earthquake preparedness
hazardous household chemical mixtures
Home Fire Safety Checklist
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