Did you know that September is National Emergency Preparedness Month? After all, it is the height of hurricane season. But honestly, there is never a bad time to brush up on your skills in preparing for a natural disaster.
Top 5 Ways You & Your Pet Can Prepare for a Natural Disaster
Being ready is an imperative step in successfully navigating any type of disaster. Here are the best ways you can make sure you’re ready for anything that may head your way.
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MAKE AN EMERGENCY KIT
A few items you need to make sure to have on hand:
- Water: One gallon, per person per day plus extra for your pets
- Food: Stock up on at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food for you and your pets.
- A manual can opener
- Batteries, including backup batteries or chargers for phones
- First aid kit
- Radio
- Flashlights
- A loud whistle to signal for help
- Extra collars, harness and pet IDs
- Dust masks
- Blankets
- Garbage bags
- Photos of family and pets in case you are separated
Store these items in a large Tupperware or two that will be easy to access to prepare for a natural disaster. And don’t forget to rotate items out as expiration dates come and go.
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DECIDE ON A GENERAL PLAN OF ACTION
Talk with your family and household members about how to respond to the types of emergencies that are most likely to occur in your area. Think about earthquakes, hurricanes, droughts, fire, flood, landslides, tornadoes, terrorism, and more.
- Make plans for each circumstance; how to escape, places to meet, and ways of communication.
- Delegate responsibilities
- Work as a team
- Role play scenarios
https://www.facebook.com/jumpconsulting/videos/425301214663701/
Join our CEO, Nicole Brown Packin and JUMP Consulting – Pet Business Coaching, Bella Vasta as they discuss Hurricane Preparedness and what all pet owners should do to prepare for a natural disaster.
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BE PROACTIVE IN GETTING YOUR PET READY FOR A DISASTER
The thing about a disaster is that we never know when they could happen. Thankfully, there are things you can do right now to prepare for a natural disaster.
- Have your pet microchipped
- Update and secure collars
- Find pet-friendly accommodations
- Keep an extra bag of food
- Make a list of emergency 24hr vets in your area
- Have a carrier and leash for each pet
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BE AWARE OF POSSIBLE CONTAGIOUS DISEASES
During a natural disaster, it’s important to be especially careful about hygiene and exposure to diseases. If you are in an overcrowded shelter or have to put your pet in a kennel during a disaster, make sure that all vaccines, heartworm medication, and flea and tick prevention are up to date. Stagnant water, wildlife, and stray animals can all carry disease and illness.
Some of these include rabies, leptospirosis (the bacterial disease found in urine), ringworm, and diseases spread by mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
For his own safety, your pet should not be allowed to come in contact with other animals. Keep him on a leash or in a carrier at all times. Pets can become scared or panicked in a stressful situation and this when having a well-socialized dog that is obedience trained is especially important.
If you do end up coming into contact with other animals, be sure to wash your hands immediately. And, if you or your pet gets bitten, report it to authorities right away.
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CREATE A DOCUMENT BINDER
Not only will it be easy to find important documents when you need them in daily life, it will be quick to grab during an emergency. Inside this binder include copies of documents such as:
- Copy of vital records like birth certificates, driver’s license, social security cards, insurance information and any other important documents for your family
- Medical and Veterinary Records
- Emergency contacts for hospitals, vets, family and friends
- Numbers for work, schools, government facilities
Keep this binder somewhere secure, but also easy for you to access.
And now you know how you can be prepared for any natural disaster! So, get to planning and make sure you and your pet are safe no matter what.
*Miami Pet Concierge provides professional and quality care for Miami’s pets. Our customized care is based on our client’s pet’s breed, age, and health.
Keeping your pets “happy, healthy, home”! ™
Nicole founded Miami Pet Concierge in May 2007 with a mission to provide Miami, Florida’s pet parents with personalized pet care plans based on their pets’ species, age, breed, health, and lifestyle – All while keeping their pets “happy at home.” In addition, offering pet care education to all pet owners to help them become great pet parents.
