Another season of storms is coming around for Florida, and it’s our responsibility to be ready for anything that comes our way! June is National Pet Preparedness Month, so we’ve written another blog to help you prepare. We’ve already covered Hurricane Preparedness for Pets in Broward County, Florida, so this time we will focus on your emergency preparedness kit and what you should have ready. These kits can be homemade and can save the lives of pets when a terrible storm strikes.
Food and Water
Perhaps the most prominent item in an emergency preparedness kit is food and water. These items are absolute staples to have and stock up on. During or after a bad storm, clean water may not be available. Since water is vital to life, it’s crucial to have a clean water source stocked in an emergency. Before a storm, make sure you purchase or pack at least a couple of days worth of clean drinking water.
Food is also vital to life and survival. For emergencies, the best food to have packed is food that cannot get damaged by flooding or cannot be easily ripped open. This makes canned food the best option to pack in case of emergencies. Dry food can easily get damaged, or the bag could rip, which can spoil your pet’s whole food source. Ensure the emergency food you purchase for your pet is securely sealed and has a long-lasting shelf life, so you do not need to replace it every couple of months.
Medical Supplies and Sanitation
Another prominent item in any emergency preparedness kit is medical supplies. You may or may not use these items but should always have prepared in a first aid kit just in case. Things that could always come in handy are: scissors, bandages, sterile eye solution, rubber gloves, plastic syringe, tweezers, thermometer, antiseptic wipes, and medication that your pet needs. You never know what injuries a storm can bring, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Sanitation is another staple item to have in an emergency preparedness kit. Things like litter boxes, poop bags, paper towels or pee pads can help your pets use the washroom and keep clean. If their normal area designated for the bathroom is not available, you can still provide them with some familiarity so going to the bathroom is comfortable. Ensuring that waste is also disposed of correctly is also essential so that nothing gets contaminated in the area you are in.
Small Toys or Entertainment
Small toys or entertainment are not needed to survive; however, they can provide your pet with a level of comfort. Their favorite toy or a blanket can help them feel warm and safe in a stressful situation. Playing with your pet while you’re waiting for further instructions or help in a storm can also help pass the time. It also brings a sense of comfort to both you and your pet. Entertainment and playing can distract you from the fear of the storm while bringing you and your pet closer together.
Emergency Contacts and Identification
Packing copies of identification and emergency contacts can help local authorities track your pet in case of separation. Identification can help rescuers track your pet back to you so that you can be reunited as soon as possible. If you don’t have copies of identification, please make sure to microchip your pet. This way, rescuers can trace your pet without needing to worry about any lost tags or collars.
Emergency contacts can help your pet in case of injury or emergency. This information can be life-saving for your pet and help rescuers get your pet the proper care they need quickly. These extra steps and precautions can make a massive difference in the case of emergencies.
For National Pet Preparedness Month, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Investing in these items to make a small emergency preparedness kit can truly make a difference in the case of a severe storm or emergency. At East Paws Pet Services, we prepare for any situation. Check out our professional pet sitting services, where we put you and your pet first. Please contact us for any additional information.
