Disaster Preparedness: Are You Ready?

DISASTER GUIDELINES

Over the years, Louisville and Southern Indiana have seen the damage that can occur as the result of disasters ranging from flood, tornados, fire and severe storms.  What would you do if you had to leave your home and take shelter for several days? What would happen to your pets? You should start preparing NOW so your pets will not suffer in the event of an area-wide disaster.

ESSENTIALS TO PREPARE BEFORE A DISASTER

1. Sufficient food to last 7 days (canned or dry in sealed bags). Plan to rotate to ensure freshness.
2.  Water for seven days. For dogs, this is one gallon per day for a 40# dog, and one quart per day for a single cat.
3. A document listing your name, address, phone, cell phone, your vet's name, address and phone, your pet's picture and your instructions to a possible rescue person.  Identify friends, relatives, kennels or veterinary clinics where your pets could stay in the event of a disaster.
4. A document listing your pet's medical history and medications that your pet needs.  Mark on your calendar the expiration date so you can make sure medications are fresh. If your pet is on daily medication, this should also be on the identification tag.  Microchip numbers and the phone number of the national registry should be listed.
5.  Leashes for both your dogs and cats. Place carriers for small dogs and cats in an easily accessible area in your residence.
6. ID tags on all your pets attached to a collar.  Tags should have your name, address, phone number, your pet's name and an OUT OF STATE PHONE NUMBER (of a friend or relative that can be contacted in a time of disaster).
7. Keep vaccinations current and keep a copy of vaccine dates in your disaster kit.
8. Plastic bags and scoopers to pick up and store pet waste.
9. Extra collars, leashes, and heavy food bowls. 
10. Minimal first aid supplies: gauze rolls for bandaging and making muzzles, towels, blankets, manual can opener.

 In reference to item 4, you should keep 3 copies: one in your wallet, one attached to your pet's carrier and one with your safe documents in the case that a disaster arises.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS FOR USE IN EVENT OF A DISASTER

American Red Cross-Louisville (502) 741-3994    www.louisville-redcross.org

 Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) 

1-800-440-EARS  www.uan.org

ASPCA Poison Control 1-888-426-4435

   National Animal Poison Control Center 1-800-548-2423

For more information, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association website.