Earthquake and pets advicePETS earthquake advice from the Humane Society, The Independent Living Resource Center and other sources:
You
need
a good pet carrier,
extra pet food/water,
cat litter,
a 1 month supply of pet's regular
medications,
sturdy leashes, harnesses, slip-leads and collars,
yard tie-out anchor,
blanket for
bedding,
a favorite toy.
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). 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.
Quick, jerky movements, or loud voices can scare your pet.
When necessary to treat or move a pcat or small dog, use a large towel or blanket to subdue them.
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.)
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.
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
_________________________________
Disaster planning
earthquake home hazards survey
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
|
