Emergency Management
Prepare now: Don’ t forget about your pets!
Pets are cherished members of our families, and planning for their safety is just as important as planning for our own. According to www. ready. gov, emergency preparedness for pets centers around three core actions: make a plan, build a kit and stay informed.
Make a plan Emergencies can strike without warning and having a clear plan ensures you can act quickly. Create a pet evacuation strategy that includes identifying pet‐friendly shelters, hotels or out‐of‐area contacts before a disaster occurs. Public shelters and many lodging facilities may not accept pets, so knowing your options ahead of time is crucial. They also recommend developing a buddy system: arranging with neighbors, friends or family members to help care for or evacuate your pets if you ' re unable to do so. Microchipping pets and keeping contact information current greatly increases the likelihood of reunification if you become separated.
Build an emergency kit Just like families need emergency supplies, pets require their own dedicated kits. Pet kits should include several days’ worth of food and water, medication, a first‐aid kit, important documents( such as vaccination records), a sturdy carrier, sanitation supplies, grooming items and comfort objects. These items should be stored in waterproof containers and checked regularly to ensure freshness. Having a stay‐at‐home kit and a smaller, portable version helps you remain prepared in any situation.
Stay informed Knowing how you will receive alerts and updates during emergencies is key to protecting your pets. Stay aware of local hazards and evacuation instructions from officials. Bring pets indoors at the first sign of severe weather and having their carriers, leashes and emergency supplies accessible makes acting quickly much easier.
Preparing ahead helps reduce stress and ensures your pets remain safe, healthy and cared for— no matter what the emergency brings.
For more information about preparing your pets for disasters visit cityofpsl. com / hurricane and stlucieco. gov.
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