Introduction
In the US, 163 million dogs and cats, but 65% of their owners have no plans to keep their pets in an emergency. More people die as a result of fires than in hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters, but 85% of parents in a recent survey said they did not discuss fire safety with their children. 72% of Americans think they have a 3-day supply of water, but only 23% know that every person needs a gallon of water per day in an emergency.
Start getting the picture? Good. Most of us are not very prepared for emergencies. Let's move on to what is needed to survive in an emergency: preparation, preparation, preparation. The last time I talked about how to prepare for the fire. This time I want to talk about how to prepare for a pet.
Pets
In the US, pets exceed about 60 million people. 63% of all households own a pet, 45% own more than one. We have 73 million dogs, 90 million cats. We spend more than $ 1,500 a year on a dog, more than $ 900 a cat, including a vet, food, boarding, grooming, vitamins, travel and toys. There are no estimates for unanticipated shipments.
Hurricane Katrina was a call for emergency training, not only for ourselves, but also for our pets.
Of the estimated 250,000 pets left in New Orleans, only about 15,000 were rescued. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, they suffered from cardiovascular diseases, internal and external parasites, dehydration, injury, wounds from debris and stagnant water, malnutrition, lethargy and exhaustion.
Do not leave pets behind if you have a choice.
What to do:
Include your pet (s) in your emergency plan. I always talk about the importance of having a plan, writing it down, making sure everyone in the family understands it and rehearses it. The plan should include your pets.
Keep your license and snapshots of pets up to date.
Keep a list convenient for all landing options (including friends / relatives) from the immediate area of danger. Most emergency shelters will not allow pets other than service animals to help people with disabilities.
Bring pets away from natural disaster.
Keep pets securely attached when outside the house and car. Emergencies are stressful times, and frustrated pets can panic and try to escape.
You have spare pet supplies that are ready to take a short notice.
What you need:
Food. Dry, preferably vacuum packed. If wet food, be sure to have a can opener. Enough at least 72 hours.
Water. In sealed bags or sealed gallon jars. 72 hours is enough.
Bowl for food / water.
Toys One or two favorites.
The boxes (i). Steel feeder for animals.
Plastic bags for waste. Litter box and litter for cat (s).
Conclusion
The key to the survival of any emergency is preparation. If you have to be extraordinary statistics, be one of the good ... survivors. Remember ... there is a plan for what to do, write it down, make sure everyone knows the plan, rehearse it. The plan will not cover all possible unforeseen circumstances, but we will do our best to cover most of them with tips and suggestions on what to do and what you may need for you, your loved ones and your pets to survive the utmost necessity. Good luck and stay safe!
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