Taking the time now to prepare for the safety and health of your pets will bring comfort to you and your family later.
[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Screen-Shot-2016-09-15-at-4.09.46-PM.png” align=”left” lightbox=”on” captionposition=”left”] Whether a disaster forces you to stay away from your home for just a few days or an entire week, you’ll need essential supplies ready to go for your pets.
Keep items in an accessible place, and store them in sturdy containers that can be easily carried (duffel bags, covered trash containers, covered bins). Keep medications, food and water ready at all times.
Be sure your pets are clearly identified, with dogs and cats wearing collars with current identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter to their collar, as well as the name and phone number of a friend or relative outside the impacted area. Identification microchips are highly recommended for all pets and are required for dogs in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
Be sure to register your pets’ microchip and keep the phone number of the data carrier with your important evacuation papers.
If you should get an evacuation warning, like some areas of LA County have experienced with the recent fires, gather up small animals and confine them so they can be crated quickly. Transport cats in a plastic or wire carrier only— not in your arms.
Cover the carrier with a light cloth, which will help keep them calm and quiet. Remember, animals may be anxious in an emergency, and crating them can keep them safe and prevent them from running away or hiding where they cannot be retrieved quickly.
Pet disaster supply kit checklist
(as provided in the LA County Emergency Survival Guide)
[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Screen-Shot-2016-09-15-at-4.09.33-PM.png” align=”center” lightbox=”on” captionposition=”center”] As an additional resource, the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal and Control sponsors an emergency-response program that includes people trained to deal with small and large animals during an emergency. For more information, visit their website, animalcare.lacounty.gov.
There are many steps to proper emergency preparedness, and I know how overwhelming it can seem.
I encourage you to just start, build your supplies a little at a time and make emergency preparedness part of your regular shopping routine. You’ll have all the supplies you’ll need before you know it!
Here is one more reminder: The next free Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for Signal Hill residents begins Saturday, Sept. 24 at 9am. Please visitfire.lacounty.gov or call (888) CERT-939 for more information.
Remember, CERT training is offered free of charge, and participants have no obligation or commitment to respond or act in the event of disaster. But wouldn’t it be great to have the knowledge to help yourself?
