This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Food, Shelter, & Love Program, but Mom Knows It All 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 never really gave much serious thought to emergency preparedness until Hurricane Sandy. Our community was devastated. Personally, my family was without power for 11 days. We suffered minimal damage to the house, a little to the car, and lost the contents of two freezers.
We didn’t have to try and wade to our homes to save property and pets, as some did.
We didn’t lose our home and belongings, as some did.
We were very, very fortunate indeed. What we suffered was nothing compared to what many went through. We didn’t really have enough food for ourselves after we lost the freezers and we didn’t have a way to cook most of what little we did have.
Fortunately we did have enough food for our beloved Jules.
We know know what a true emergency is, and why one needs to be prepared. Everyone should know. FEMA National Pet Disaster Preparedness Day is May 9. And, Hill’s is kicking off a media tour to talk disaster preparedness and disaster relief at the same time, it begins on May 7.
Hill’s recommends the following seven tips to ensure your pet’s safety in an emergency. (I’ve also included a pinnable image below, in case you prefer to bookmark for later use.)
1. Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag and that contact information is up- to-date.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when they are frightened. Finding them quickly will help you evacuate faster.
5. 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.
6. Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
7. If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate if possible for transport and safe-keeping.
The recommendation for three days of food is a good one. But more doesn’t hurt – it isn’t like you can only use it in case of emergency. Personally, when it comes to pet food I buy a big bag and store it in an airtight container. Aside from the pet food, you can stay prepared by putting everything else you need for your pet right in a pet carrier. The carrier will also be handy in case you have to evacuate or for some reason put your pet in a contained space within the home for safety.
When disaster does strike, the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network is positioned to quickly respond with shipments of pet food to communities impacted by disaster. Hill’s established the first-of-its-kind national network in 2013 as an extension of its Food, Shelter & Love® program. In its first year, the Hill’s network delivered free pet food to 50 animal shelters and veterinary clinics across the country in response to 11 major incidents – including floods in Colorado, fires in Idaho and Arizona, tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas, the fertilizer plant explosion in Waco, Texas, and most recently, the mudslide in Washington and tornadoes in the central and south regions of the country. The responsibility for shelters during a disaster stretches already overwhelmed staff and resources to the breaking point as they are not just caring for shelter animals, but also pets that have become separated from their owners.
It made my heart happy to learn that Hill’s works during time of disaster to help all of the animals in the shelter, including our pets, healthy. It’s wonderful that they have such a great program in place that helps provide for animals in shelters until they are either adopted or returned to their owners.
Are you prepared in the event a disaster impacts your family?
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We have out entire kit ready to go. That includes enough extra water for the dog, extra food, and a toy, too!
We just moved, so thanks for the reminder about the pet decal. I need to get a new one for us.
Oh man! I feel terrible that I never thought to include extra food and water for our dogs! I’ll have to do that immediately. Especially since we’ve moved to Florida.
Microchipping is so important. I would hate to have my pet lost in a disaster!
This is really good advice to remember. I don’t have pets but I do live in a storm zone.
Thanks for this reminder. You always remember to prepare yourself and your family for disasters, but too often forget about the four legged members of the family (or feathered or scaled, etc.).
Gosh I couldn’t imagine! I will be setting a kit up asap! I never have thought to because the worst we get is snow storm but even that it’s neseccary to have a kit. We once went 5 days with no heat or power and it was well below freezing!
I’ve never really thought about an emergency kit for the pets. But we love our pets and wouldn’t want anything to happen to them so we need to do this.
I should be more prepared than I am. I am glad to have these tips for my dogs. When an emergency happens there should be a plan for everyone.
I think a lot about preparing my family for disasters, but I’ve never thought about preparing things for our dog. What a great reminder.
These are all good tips. The one to carry the picture of your pet in case you get separated is smart and I would have thought of it! That picture of the man and his dog is very poignant!
I mean I WOULDN’T have thought of it.
It is so important to remember your pet when making a disaster kit. Always remember them.
I actually have cans of dog and cat food in my car ER kit. I need to get some for the house even though they both eat dry, if something were to cause a water leak, it would just get wet and ruined. Living in Oklahoma for most of my life, I’ve been through my share of tornadoes – damage and power outages. I learned at a young age to keep some thing stocked and plan ahead.
So many great tips here. We still have to get one of our cats and our puppy microchipped.
What a relief to know that you are prepared. I am thankful you were not more affected by the hurricane. I’m sure it was not an easy experience.
I haven’t checked our emergency supplies in some time. I should go make sure things haven’t expired, and that there is enough to eat for all of us (furry family members included).
Thank you for the helpful reminders! we get so many hurricanes in Florida!
I need to get an emergency pack ready. You never know when you might need it.
I never thought to carry a picture of my pet in the event of a disaster. This is something I need to get on because I love my dog!
We have a whole bag ready to go for our small zoo. We don’t have to worry much about tornadoes and all that but we do have monsoon season which floods our entire area.
Great reminder!
What a powerful post. It really shows the importance of being prepared.
I truly can’t imagine what all the victims had to go through, and losing your pets or being homeless with them-unimaginable. So glad there are groups ready to help in the time of need.
Great tips. Definitely a few things here I hadn’t thought about for our dog.
Using sunscreen with a high SPF is important in preventing wrinkles and disease.