Friday, November 09, 2018

Emergency Kit Ideas for Your Family & Pets

Is your family ready for emergencies or evacuations?  If you have to leave your home in a hurry, do you know what to grab at the last minute?  Everywhere around the world, many people have had to make these decisions when Mother Nature threatens their family and pets.  You never know when an emergency will happen.  However, if it’s possible to take preparations beforehand, here are some helpful lists of things to consider for your families’ (human & pets) emergency kit(s).

The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) recommends you pack:

Basic electronics
Pack an extra phone charger in case you’re fortunate enough to have electricity, and a portable battery pack in case you’re not. Also stash a long-lasting LED flashlight. Pack a small hand-cranked or battery-operated AM/FM radio (with extra batteries).
Personal needs
While getting ready for a typical day, list every toiletry you use, then buy a travel-size version of each. Pack backup eyeglasses, as well as a first-aid kit, baby wipes and a multipurpose tool with a knife and can opener.
Clothing
Pack a few days’ worth. Include layers you can add or remove, plus lightweight rain gear and waterproof boots.
Your meds
Pack about three days’ worth of each of your prescriptions, which should last until you can get to a pharmacy that’s open. If you need larger items, such as an oxygen tank, make sure you have a portable version.
The perfect bag
Think small and portable. A backpack is ideal, but a lightweight suitcase with wheels will also do. Just remember, you may literally be running with it.
Paperwork
Fill a zip-top waterproof bag with photocopies of your birth certificate; driver’s license; Social Security and Medicare cards; power of attorney and will; any marriage, adoption or naturalization certificates; proof of address; insurance, medical and immunization records; and information about your credit and ATM cards.
Food and drink
Bottled water is essential. Granola or energy bars are great because they are small and filling, and they come in a variety of flavors.
Cash
In addition to enough money for a few days, include small bills and a roll of quarters. If you need to buy something out of a vending machine, you don’t want to start asking equally desperate strangers for change.


(Source: https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2017/packing-your-emergency-preparedness-kit-fd.html)
Reviewing the CDC website (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), they have this list posted on their website for pet disaster kits:
Documents
·         Photocopied veterinary records
o    Rabies certificate
o    Vaccinations
o    Medical summary
o    Prescriptions for medications
o    Most recent heartworm test result (dogs)
o    Most recent FeLV/FIV test result (cats)


·         Photocopied registration information (ex: proof of ownership or adoption records)
·         Pet description(s) (ex: breed, sex, color, weight)
·         Recent photographs of each of your pets
·         Waterproof container for documents
·         Microchip information (ex: microchip number, name and number of the microchip company)
·         Your contact information (phone numbers and addresses for your family and friends or relatives you may be staying with)
Water, Food, Medications
·         2-week supply of food for each animal stored in waterproof containers
·         2-week supply of water for each animal
·         Non-spill food and water dishes
·         Manual can opener
·         Feeding instructions for each animal
·         2-week supply of any medications (if applicable)
·         Medication instructions (if applicable)
·         1-month supply of flea, tick, and heartworm preventative
Other Supplies
·         Leash, collar with ID, and harness
·         Litter and litter box (cats)
·         Toys
·         Appropriate-sized pet carrier with bedding, blanket, or towel
·         Pet first aid book and first aid kit
·         Cleaning supplies for accidents (paper towels, plastic bags, disinfectant)

 Visit their link:
for helpful checklists & boarding information documents.



(Source: www.cdc.gov/healthypets/emergencies/pet-disaster-prep-kit.html)

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Question:  Dr. Ku, what kind of advice can you give to pet owners about stressful situations such as emergencies and how to help calm the pet?

Answer:  "Staying calm yourself is the best way to help your pet, and yourself.  Remember to breath!  If you have anxiety medication for your pet for thunderstorms or fireworks, these may be helpful for emergency situations and can be given to them for initial transitions especially.  If not, the most important thing you can do is project calm and stability to your pet and trying to avoid as many transitions as possible depending on the situation.  If you have a crate for your pet, put them in it sooner rather than later, and leave them in the car while you pack up your other belongings.  Be sure they have water if it is hot, and clean air to breath (especially in a fire situation) wherever you leave them, and that they will not overheat while unattended.  Just like with young children, our pets take their lead from us.  As their providers, we can help them through any situation best by being level headed and prepared.  And taking few seconds to take a few deep belly breaths will do wonders to calm any situation down.  😉" -Dr. Gloria Ku