by Jane Brown

Top 5 Tips for Keeping Your Pets Safe During an Emergency Situation

Between the wildfires and the major hurricanes in Texas and Florida in just this last year, the photos on the news were enough to make you cry. Not only were lives lost in these disasters, but in many cases, there were pets that had to be left behind to fend for themselves in the floods, winds, and fires. Those photos as well were heartbreaking, though every attempt was made to rescue the stranded animals. That is why it’s so important to have a plan in place to not only protect yourself but your pets as well in an emergency like a natural disaster or even a house fire. With that in mind, read on below for a few tips to help you keep your pets safe during an emergency situation.

Join a Pet Social Network

Social media for pets is the perfect way to not only brag about the pets in your life share pictures, and talk to likeminded pet owners like you; it’s also a way to ensure that you have an emergency backup plan should an emergency situation happen. Joining a pet social network also lets you be part of a network that is working to ensure that all pets are safe during emergencies, not just your own.

Always Have a Plan

The one thing that can’t be stressed enough with your family and your pets is to have a plan set out for an emergency situation. You need to be prepared and each member of your family needs to know what is required of them if disaster is going to strike. Put aside emergency supplies and a flashlight so you don’t have to be scurrying around in the dark looking for a flashlight and your pets.

Have an Emergency Pet Kit

You already have an emergency kit packed and set aside for your family, just in case an emergency occurs. It’s a good idea to have an emergency pet kit packed and ready to use as well. Things to keep in your pet emergency kit are listed below.

Enough water and food for three days
• Puppy pads
• Plastic bags
• Medicines your pet is on
• Can opener
• Litterbox
• A carrier
• Extra leashes
• And a photo of your animal in case he gets lost

Have a Rescue Pet Decal on Your Window

There are pet decals that you can get to place on the window of your home that informs rescue workers that a pet lives there. Make sure to put the name of your pet and your name and number on the decal and place it in your window. If you are able to take your pet with you, then make sure to write evacuated on the decal before heading out to safety.

Keep Your Pet in His Carrier

Whether you decide to ride the emergency out in your home or set out for somewhere safer, never take your pet out of his carrier. Pets, just like us, get nervous in these types of situations. In all of the chaos, it is possible for your pet to run away or get lost.

These are just a few of the ways that you can keep your pets safe during an emergency situation. From joining a pet social network to keeping your pet in his carrier during an emergency, following these tips will keep your pet safe and sound beside you during a disaster, just like he is meant to be.