A Poem About Being Prepared

source: 2006 American Veterinary Medical Association. Prepared by Cindy S. Lovern, DVM, MSGraphic Design by Cheryl Atkins and Sarah Jurecka

I found this poem about remembering your pets if faced with a natural disaster or some other catastrophe. In my area of rural Cabell County, WV, we have a lot of flash floods and flooding because of our proximity to the Ohio River. I have a sticker on my front door that tells emergency workers what type of animals are in the house and the number. You can get it from this website: www.hsus.org.

As the winds blow on, And the waters rise deep, You can hear their cries. You can hear them weep. Those you have brought into your home, Those who are loyal, caring and warm. You feed them each day, and tell them to stay, And now when they need you, don't turn them away. When you vowed to love, when you vowed to care, You vowed to sacrifice, and vowed to prepare. So now in times of trouble and strife, You are responsible for more than one life. You need to plan, think, and prepare, For all those who need you. Those who depend on your care.— Cindy Swancott Lovern

Are You Prepared In Case Of A Natural Disaster? Part 2.

Chance says, "Don't get caught sleeping, be prepared!"

Identification: Having identification on your animals, including rabies and license tags, if applicable, may help reunite you with your animal(s) in the event that you are separated. Identification should provide your name, home address, a phone number where you can be reached, and an out-of-state phone number of someone with whom you will be in contact during or soon after the disaster/evacuation.

If possible, include your veterinarian's name, location, and phone number. Examples of some forms of identification are listed below. Small Animal: Collar tag (a piece of tape applied to the back of the collar tag can provide evacuation site information – use waterproof ink) microchip, tattoo, temporary neckband, waterproof pouch attached to collar with identification information inside, clear identification on cage/housing for confined animals.

Transportation/Housing: It is important to separate animals from different households as much as possible and to maintain the best possible hygiene to decrease disease transmission. Small Animal: Leash, collar, and/or harness for each pet. Collapsible cage or airline approved carrier should also be available for each pet, and bedded properly, for transportation and housing purposes - owning enough carriers to accommodate your pets, facilitates a speedy evacuation and may mean the difference between the life or death of your pet.

Familiarize your animals with evacuation procedures and cages/carriers. Take the cage/carrier out several times a year and put dog or cat treats inside with blankets and toys. By doing this, you hope to reinforce positive feelings associated with the animal carrier. Cat carriers should be large enough to hold a small litter pan and two small dishes and still allow your cat enough room to lie down comfortably or stand to use the litter pan.

Dog kennels or collapsible cages should be large enough to hold two no-spill bowls and still allow enough room for your dog to stand and turn around. For added assurance, clearly label each carrier with your identification and contact information. Locate and pre-arrange an evacuation site for your family and animals outside your immediate area. Ideally, this will be a friend/relative or a pet-friendly hotel that is willing to let your family and animals stay in the event of a disaster. Other possible animal housing options include veterinary hospitals, boarding kennels, and animal shelters.

Are You Prepared In Case Of A Natural Disaster? Part 1.

Chance is ready for any disaster! Nature and life have fury days: Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, blizzards, terrorism... Devastating natural and man-made disasters can ravage our lives. No one is exempt from the possibility of being affected personally. You need to prepare for yourself and for your animals in case of disaster. Countless times people have been told to leave their homes for a "short time," only to find that they cannot return for days or weeks.

Even disasters like gas leaks and minor flooding can keep you from tending to your animals for extended periods of time. To prevent situations such as these take your animals with you. It is best to be overly cautious during a disaster warning. Preparing ahead of time and acting quickly is the best way to keep you and your family, including your animals, out of danger. Be familiar with all types of disasters, including a hazardous material spill. Also, be prepared for extended loss of utilities.

Prepare a plan: Talk with your vet and assemble an animal evacuation kit. Develop a plan and practice it. If you live in an apartment, make sure your animals are on record with the management of the apartment bldg. and can be evacuate down the stairwell. Dogs should be taught to go up and down stairs to better aid first responders. Be sure you are able to give rescue responders exact directions to your home or apartment bldg. Keep your vehicles full of gas and have emergency cash on hand.

In Case You Are Not At Home: Preplace stickers on front and back house doors, and bedroom windows and any other entrances to notify neighbors, fire fighters, police, and other rescue personnel that animals are on your property and where to find your evacuation supplies. Provide a list near your evacuation supplies of the number, type, and location of your animals, noting favorite hiding spots, in order to save precious rescue time.

To facilitate a successful rescue, provide muzzles, handling gloves, catch nets, and animal restraints where rescue personnel can find them. Keep in mind that animals may become unpredictable when frightened. Designate a willing neighbor to tend to your animals in the event that a disaster occurs when you are not at home. This person should have a key to your home, be familiar with your animals, know your evacuation procedures, and know where your evacuation supplies are kept.

In your evacuation kit, keep a pre-signed letter that releases your neighbor from responsibility if one of your animals becomes injured during the evacuation. You may also want to have a pre-signed veterinary medical treatment authorization with your Evacuation kit – this will aid your veterinarian if your animal must be treated during your absence.