Disaster Preparedness Tips to Help you be #PetPrepared

I’ve written before about disaster preparedness; no matter where you live there is some manner of natural disaster that can strike. It’s never good to maintain a “wait and see” policy when it comes to being ready, especially when you have pets. If you have to suddenly leave your home and take your beloved pets to an animal shelter in an emergency you want to be sure you know what you need to keep them comfortable. May 14th is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Read on to learn how you can be ready!

This post is sponsored by Hill’s Food, Shelter, & Love® Initiative and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping Promote National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, but we only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.

I live in a heavily wooded area of Montana – no matter what direction I look I see trees. Lots and lots of trees. From the time the first forests appeared on this Earth fire has been a part of their ecology. In fact, some trees require fire to release their seeds. The problem with fire in the forest arose when man moved into what is now known as the wildland urban interface – otherwise known to me as home.

When I lived in New Jersey I learned to live with the threat of floods, Nor’Easters and hurricanes. Now I have learned to live with the threat of wildfire. Wherever you live you know your disaster(s) and you need to know what to do to be ready to deal with its arrival. I’m here to tell you about a wonderful program from Hill’s Pet Nutrition and to offer some tips on how to have your Happy ducks in a row when it comes to being ready to evacuate with your pets.

This was a very timely exercise for me as I pulled the cats’ carriers out and one of them was broken! I bought them last year when evacuation loomed. I needed to replace the ones I used when we lived in the trailer. Each cat has his/her color so I know immediately which cat is in which carrier. When choosing a pet carrier be sure your carrier:

• Has loops or some type of attachment so seatbelts can be used to secure the carrier in your vehicle
• Has an ID tag so you can list your pet’s name, address, any medications and allergies

I was so impressed when I learned about the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network. It’s an extension of the Hill’s Food, Shelter and Love® program. It was started in 2013 and in those three short years Hill’s has sent free pet food to over 60 shelters and veterinary clinics in response to various disasters. Hill’s Pet Nutrition is very committed to making sure pets are well fed in trying times and they want to help educate people regarding pet safety. They have provided me with this informative checklist to pass on to you:

Seven Tips to Ensure your Pet’s Safety in an Emergency

• Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag and that contact information is up-to-date.
• Prepare a “Pet Emergency Go-Kit” of pet supplies that is readily accessible in an emergency. Your Pet Go-Kit should include the following: first aid supplies and guide book; a 3-day supply of pet food in a waterproof container and bottled water; a safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; information on your pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues; comfort toys; and a blanket.
• Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.
• Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when they are frightened. Finding them quickly will help you evacuate faster. Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area.
• Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
• Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
• If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate if possible for transport and safe-keeping

Last year there were two fires coming at the yurt; one was closer than the other but it was the closest we’d come since we’ve lived here to having to evacuate. When the hubby calls and says get the important papers together and keep them handy – it makes you worry!

The problem for me always was with John being fire chief – it left me alone here and I can’t drive any longer due to my health problems. I can wrangle the cats but the goats were going to be a problem. Fortunately he is now retired and I don’t have to worry about dealing with it all on my own any longer. We have a place for the goats to go and I have my spiffy carriers for the Farm cats. This year they are predicting a “normal” fire season so hopefully I won’t have to use my plan or my carriers. But knowing I have that plan in place makes all the difference in the world.

To honor May 14th’s National Pet Disaster Preparedness Day, Hill’s Pet Nutrition encourages you to have a plan in place in case you are faced with having to evacuate with your pets. You can use this convenient pet care checklist for a start – print it off and keep it handy. Hopefully you will never need it – but if the unimaginable happens you will be happy to have it available as you start your evacuation plan.

You can learn more from Hill’s Pet Prepared

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Are you prepared in case of a natural disaster? If not what is the first thing you are going to do to make sure your pets will be safe?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.