Disaster Preparedness

I had a totally different subject in mind for my first blog here, but the Southern California wildfires intervened. My blog and podcast, "It's a Doggy Dog World" is all about living with dogs; all the joys and challenges, laughter and tears, that is so much a part of sharing our lives with dogs. Unfortunately, keeping our dogs safe in a disaster is very much a part of living with dogs.

Here in Southern California, and more specifically, in San Diego county, this week we have been dealing with numerous deadly, wind driven wildfires. In San Diego alone, more than 225,000 acres have been burned and the total number of houses destroyed is more than 1000 so far and that total is expected to be significantly higher when this is over.

Four years ago, during the Cedar fires, we faced the same thing, to a lesser extent, and pet owners faced many problems. The worst was that evacuation shelters were not allowing pets to be brought to the shelters. Owners of pets were faced with making it on their own, without help from the evacuation shelters, leaving their pets home alone, turning their pets loose, or dropping them off with local animal control. None of those solutions were satisfactory, obviously.

Since the Cedar fire and Hurricane Katrina, much has changed. Pets can and must be allowed at the evacuation shelters. Businesses and organizations are much more aware of how important our pets are to us, and in San Diego, pallets of supplies (dog and cat foods, and more) have been donated to the evacuation shelters. Pet owners, too, are more aware and have brought their pets with them.

Planning for a disaster should begin long before one happens, however. If you haven't thought about it seriously, do so now, because many times you won't have much time. When a tornado or wildfire is heading towards your home, you need to grab your family, your pets, and any needed items and move!

An evacuation or disaster kit for your pet - dog, cat, ferret, bird or any other pet - should include:
1. Identification for your pet. Microchip, tattoo, identification tag with your cell phone number or some other means of identification.
2. A means of restraining your pet. Cage, crate, leash, collar, harness.
3. Veterinary records, including vaccinations.
4. At least a week's worth of food and a bowl for food and one for water.
5. Any bedding your pet will need.
6. A complete first aid kit for your pet. If you would like to see a complete list of what you might have in the kit, see my book, "The KISS Guide to Raising a Puppy" or "The Howell Book of Dogs" Both are carried on www.amazon.com.
7. Any medications your pet might need or takes regularly.

Never assume that an evacuation shelter will have what you need for your pet; always bring what you need with you.

My husband and I, as long time Californians, have been evacuated several times. We have multiple pets, including dogs, cats, turtles and tortoises, and other reptiles. We have supplies readily available, in an easy to find location, and my van always has an up to date first aid kit in it. Both the first aid kit and evacuation preparations are well worth the effort to put together; especially when you suddenly need them.

Until next time, hug your dog for me and enjoy his company!

Take care,

Liz

Liz Palika www.lizpalika.com www.kindredspiritsk9.com