addition to the water you need for yourself and family .
• Medicine and medical records . Keep an extra supply of medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container . All boarding facilities and veterinarian offices require proof of immunization before accepting animals . Collar with ID tag ; harness or leash . Your pet should always wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification .
• Documents . Place copies of your pet ’ s microchip information , registration , adoption papers , vaccination documents and medical records in a clear plastic bag or waterproof container .
• Crate or some sort of pet carrier . Carriers should be large enough for your pet to stand up , completely turn around and lie down . Mark your name , address , phone number and an alternate contact on the carrier .
• Sanitation . Include pet litter , newspapers , towels , plastic trash bags and cleaners in your evacuation bag so you can pick up after your pet .
New Orleans residents who will need assistance to evacuate are urged to register with the City of New Orleans to participate in the City Assisted Evacuation Plan ( CAEP ).
This plan includes both residents and their pets . Orleans Parish residents can register by calling 311 . When a mandatory evacuation is called , pickup points throughout the city will be announced where you can board buses that will take you to the evacuation departure points .
If there are projections of a small hurricane or tropical storm , and you do not need to evacuate , we recommend a few ways to keep your pets calm as you wait out the storm .
• If your pet is anxious during a storm , we recommend closing all blinds and curtains to muffle the noise and reduce lighting flashes , and do not take your pet outside while it is storming .
• To help with their anxiety and stress , you can try engaging them in an activity that distracts them from the sounds of the loud storm .
• If this doesn ’ t work , make sure they have access to a space of theirs that feels safe , such as a kennel or under the bed , and play calming music to drown out the noise of the storm .
• After a major storm , be sure to check the yard before allowing your pet outside . There could be downed powerlines , gaps in fences , or dangerous debris in your yard .
34 Life Unleashed