The Boy Scout motto is “Be Prepared” and many organizations and agencies regularly remind the public how important this motto is. Emergency preparedness is an important safety measure in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. While much of the United States doesn’t seem to experience disasters frequently enough to make preparedness a top priority, citizens of states like California, which suffers from annual wildfires, and Alabama, which suffers from a difficult tornado season, They must be prepared for emergencies at all times.
Most people think of items like food, water, gas, clothing, flashlights, and batteries when putting together an emergency preparedness kit. Unfortunately, family pets are rarely thought of during preparation planning. Every year, hundreds of beloved family dogs are lost or abandoned due to disasters. Remembering to pack and include pets in your emergency plan can help keep the whole family together and safe.
Dogs need many of the same things that people need in an emergency preparedness kit. A week’s worth of food and water is vital to caring for the dog while you are away from home. Of course, bowls are needed for feeding and drinking the pet. Collapsible dog travel bowls are lightweight and fold flat so they store well in an emergency preparedness kit without taking up a lot of space. The leash and harness are vital to the safety of the dog, especially during transport. If the family pet takes regular medications, a two-week supply should also be kept in the emergency kit.
Dogs often react to stress in ways similar to how young children react. For this reason, it’s a good idea to pack puppy training pads. Especially with puppies or small lap dogs, puppy training pads can protect car upholstery and legs from nervous accidents. Not only that, but any safe place the family goes to may not easily accommodate the dogs. Even in a pet-friendly hotel, it’s wise to offer puppy training pads to a stressed-out family pet to avoid costly accidents.
While pets should never be left behind in a disaster situation, the need may arise for the dog to be crated, possibly for several hours. Even well-trained puppies and dogs in crate can need the relief of a puppy training pad when away from home. The small collapsible boxes fold flat, making them easy to pack in the family car. When the family reaches a safe place, the dog should be offered the safety of his crate, the comfort of a loved toy, and the ability to relieve himself.
It is a good idea to plan a safe place for the family to evacuate in the event of a disaster. A friend or family member’s house that is neither too close nor too far is an excellent option. Especially if it’s somewhere the family visits regularly, staying with a friend or relative can bring comfort to frightened children and pets. Just be sure to arrange boarding for pets ahead of time and packing for pets; don’t assume your needs can be met down the road.