| The hillside is on fire. The authorities are telling you to | | | | emergency. They might have to evacuate as well. |
| evacuate, taking only what is necessary. A frightening | | | | Find a friend or relative outside of your area who will |
| time for you, your family and your four legged friend | | | | allow you and your four-legged friend to come and |
| too. | | | | stay with them. |
| Natural disasters are part of life on planet Earth. Fires, | | | | 5. Be sure you have all of your emergency numbers, |
| earthquakes, tornados, and hurricanes are only some | | | | both the homes for your family and your furry friend. |
| of the dangers humans, and their furry friends, face | | | | Keep a print out of those numbers in your |
| in their lifetimes. What can you do, as a pet owner, | | | | emergency kit. In the event of an evacuation, you |
| to make an evacuation easier on yourself and your | | | | will need those numbers in an easy to find location |
| pet? | | | | and you might not be able to count on your |
| Planning ahead is the most important thing you can | | | | electronic address book. Electrical outages are quite |
| do. Having an escape plan and supplies for both your | | | | common after a natural disaster. |
| family and your pet will make a disaster easier to | | | | 6. If you are asked to evacuate, do so immediately. |
| manage. What else can you do to plan ahead? | | | | Do not wait until the last minute. You have an easier |
| 1. Make sure your pet has an up-to-date license or | | | | time keeping your family and pets together if you |
| registration, which ever your state requires. Check | | | | leave before it becomes a necessity. Remember, |
| their collar to know it's in good shape and secure. If it | | | | there isn't anything in your home that isn't |
| isn't, replace it immediately. | | | | replaceable. But your family and furry friends aren't! |
| 2. Get your pet micro-chipped. Ask your veterinarian | | | | 7. During an emergency always keep your pet on a |
| about this simple and somewhat inexpensive | | | | leash. A disaster can be very chaotic and frightening |
| procedure. Most animal shelters have the ability to | | | | for your furry friend. Keeping your pet on a leash will |
| scan lost pets. Most of the micro-chip companies give | | | | help you keep him in control at all times. |
| a tag with the phone number and identification | | | | 8. Consider having your pet crate trained. A crate is a |
| number so a lost pet can be reunited with their | | | | great way to keep your pet under control through |
| family quickly. | | | | even the most difficult of times and it will be a place |
| 3. Have a pet first aid kit in case of injury. During an | | | | of comfort for him as well. Be aware you may not |
| emergency it might be a while before you can get | | | | be able to take a large crate with you if you are |
| your friend to a veterinarian and if he is hurt you will | | | | forced to leave your home do to a disaster. |
| have to take care of him. Pet stores and some | | | | There are not guarantees you and your pet can stay |
| veterinarian offices carry kits packed just for animals. | | | | together during a disaster, but with a little planning |
| 4. Plan where you can go during an emergency. | | | | and a cool head you can keep your four-legged |
| Remember that shelters and veterinary clinics will | | | | friend safe and secure. |
| probably not be able to take your pet during an | | | | |