Preparing for emergencies
Have a detailed plan for your pet if disaster strikes you

Spring has arrived, and with it comes the threat of severe weather. While many people may have a disaster preparedness plan in place for the human members of their family, some may fail to consider having a plan for the care of their pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has prepared a step-by-step disaster plan for pet owners.

Step 1: Rescue Alert Sticker
This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home in case you cannot. This sticker should be placed where emergency personnel will be able to see it, such as on your front door or window. It must contain the following information:

1. The types and number of pets in your house.
2. The name of your veterinarian.
3. Your veterinarian's telephone number.
   (These stickers can be obtained free of charge by going to the ASPCA Web site, www.aspca.org).

Step 2: Arrange a safe haven for your pets.
If you must evacuate your home, do not leave your pets behind. Because of health and safety regulations, the American Red Cross will not allow you to bring your pets to a disaster shelter. So you must have decided beforehand where you will take your pets in case you must leave your home.
Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels to use in the event of an emergency. Also, check with your local animal shelter to determine if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets. Pet owners can also contact hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that will accept pets. Finally, ask friends and relatives who live within a reasonable driving distance if they would be willing to take in your pet in time of need.

Step 3: Have emergency supplies and a pet traveling kit.
Always keep an emergency kit handy for your pets. This kit should contain the following:

• Pet first-aid and guide book.
• Canned (pop-top) or dry pet food.
• Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are ideal for this).
• Litter or paper towels.
• Pet feeding dishes.
• Extra leashes.
• Photocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with at least a two week supply of any medicine your pets require. (Remember, food and medications should be rotated out of your emergency kit to prevent them from spoiling or going out of date.
• Bottled water.
• A pet traveling bag or sturdy carrier, ideally, one for each pet.
• Flashlight.
• Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet).
• Photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make "Lost" posters).

Step 4: Choose a "Designated Care Giver"
Pet owners should give considerable time and thought in making this selection of a temporary home for their pets in the event of an emergency. Perhaps your interim housing accommodations like an apartment or a relative's home will not allow a pet to accompany you. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your home. This person would ideally be someone that is home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with a neighbor who has pets of his own.
Also, make arrangements for a permanent home in the event you can no longer care for your pet. When choosing a permanent caregiver, other criteria should be considered. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this "foster parent," consider people who have met your pet and have successfully cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver so that they understand the responsibility of incorporating your pet into a new family.
Additionally, especially if you are advanced in years yourself, you may want to provide a trust for your pet's financial future. Unlike a will, a trust provides for your pet immediately, and can apply if you either die or become disabled. You may designate your permanent caregiver as the trustee, or choose a separate person to be the trustee of the funds that you have set aside for your pet's care.

Step 5: Evacuation Preparation
Time is of the essence when you must evacuate your home in a crisis. To keep evacuation time to the minimum, take these simple steps:

1. Store your emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible.
2. Make sure all pets are collared with up-to-date identification. You pet's ID tag should contain its name, your phone number and any medical needs.
3. The ASPCA recommends micro-chipping pets for the most permanent identification.
4. Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
5. Consider your evacuation route and call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside of the danger zone at the first sign of disaster.

Step 6: Geographic and Climatic Considerations
Since we North Texans live in a region that is prone to natural catastrophes such as tornados and floods, we should plan accordingly. Well in advance, locate rooms in your home that offer safe havens. Select rooms that are clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc. Utility rooms, bathrooms and interior walk-in closets all could serve as safe rooms.
In the event of flooding, look for the highest location in your home or for a room with access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.
April 10 was the 24th anniversary of Terrible Tuesday. Most of us who lived in the Wichita Falls area in 1979 can recall that North Texans were not prepared for that disaster. If an event like Terrible Tuesday should happen again, which is not unlikely, be ready. Plan ahead and don't wait until the last minute to provide for the safety and care of your pets.
Eamon P. Riley is a professional dog trainer and animal behavioral consultant. For suggestions or comments, he can be emailed at dogmanusmc@aol.com or by calling 689-9483.