Minimize the Impact of Disaster, be Prepared!

Posted on October 1, 2009 by Lynne Hudlow

As I recently watched the news coverage of the wild fires in California, as well as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes and tsunami warnings it gave me a mental reminder to revisit my own home disaster/emergency evacuation plan. I must admit I am a little lax on a couple items from where I was last year—especially as it pertains to my Pets.

  • Item 1 — my kennels are not near exits, though they are in the house
  • Item 2 — I need current Pet photos in case one of my Pets gets lost and I have to post flyers or for identification at a shelter.
  • Item 3 — current ID tags and microchips for all

So here is a question to ponder if YOU needed to evacuate your home within the next 30 minutes how prepared are you to evacuate with your Pets?

The recent California wildfires have certainly alerted many home owners’ as to the need for revised evacuation plans.

Many areas across the country have wild fires that threaten homes, families, livestock, and property. Fires force many people to evacuate with their Pets. These families are subject to hazardous air quality for days or weeks at a time and may also face financial hardship as do the agencies funding the fire fighting.

Accidental home fires or other hazards in the home can subject families to emergency evacuation often with little warning time to act on the evacuation plan.

Regardless of the reason for the need to leave your home, a well planned evacuation saves lives. Having an evacuation/disaster plan ahead of time to care for people, Pets, and property is a great way to have peace of mind that you are ready if disaster strikes, natural or otherwise.

Evacuation plans and early warning systems are vital to keeping the entire family safe from the hazards of fire and other natural disasters. You can use the national Humane Society’s emergency preparedness planning information to determine how prepared you are currently. You might consider holding a fire drill to make sure that everyone knows what to do and what their role is in a real emergency evacuation. Keep in mind Pets are more likely to be frightened when they hear loud sounds, bad smells, and frightening sights. Here are a few Pet tips from the Humane Society. The American Red Cross provides these tips for home and family.

There are things you can do to help protect your home and property as well.

  • Check the exterior of your house for ways to decrease a fire friendly environment
  • Test smoke detectors because properly functioning home and garage save lives as well. Check yours twice a year and make sure to change the batteries as needed.

Depending upon the extent of burning & smoke or other pollutants, decreased air quality increases breathing difficulties, especially for those with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Seek medical attention for people and Pets with breathing problems or any other medical concern. It is wise to follow the instructions of your doctor and veterinarian and to continue treatment for as long as recommended. Keep in mind some issues related to poor air quality may not improve until the air quality improves too.

Far too many Pets perish as the result of natural disaster and with proper preparation we can help protect our Pets and families from suffering.



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