Make Sure To Include Your Pets In Your Emergency Escape Plan | SERVPRO® of Kingston/New Paltz

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Our furry family members need an emergency escape plan in case of a disaster.

When making household emergency plans, it’s most common to create one plan for the entire family. However, it is important to remember your pet’s needs as well and theirs can be quite different than the others members of your family. 

Prepare Everyone Before An Emergency-

When making your own flood preparedness plan, be sure to remember these pet-specific items as well:

~Know the differences between a flood watch and flood warning to understand weather reports.

~Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or other trusted service to assess your overall risk.

~Obtain copies of your pet’s vaccine records and microchip information and include those with your own important documents stored in a waterproof location.

~Find a designated location to take your pets if you must evacuate, such as a pet-friendly shelter or hotel. It's recommended you research this in advance, you don’t want to be turned away in a crisis. Make sure your family and neighbors know which you’ve chosen so others can assist if needed.

~Coordinate with other pet-owning neighbors and develop a plan should one of you be away from home when a flood strikes. Show them where your pet emergency supplies are, paperwork, and designate a meeting spot. This offers a much-needed piece of mind in a stressful situation. The less questions, the less worry.

Making An Emergency Kit For Your Pet-

This most likely contains many of the same things as one would for a human, with some special considerations:

• A picture and detailed description of your pets, as well as any special needs or warnings (ex. “Startles easily or Is fearful of dogs”)
• Proof of ownership and Vaccination records, Microchip info too
• An extra leash and collar
• Bowls for food and water
• Required medications
• Enough sealed food, water and treats needed to last several days
• A pet first-aid kit
• An identical replica of a favorite toy for entertainment and something from home like a blanket for reassuring smells and comfort. 

Surviving a Flood With Your Pets-

When a flood becomes imminent, the most important thing to do is to tune in to local weather channels and emergency stations to stay aware of authorities’ instructions. Do not fall victim to fake news and rumors the social media can hype up.

Here are some other tips for surviving a flood with your pets:

• Bring ALL outdoor pets inside and head to the highest area of your house.
• If authorities are advising to evacuate, do so and bring your pets, as animals are required to be included in state and local emergency plans. If you’ve made arrangements for them to be SAFE elsewhere, get that plan in motion ASAP.
• Make sure everyone in the family has the correct contact info to reach all involved pet parties.
• Keep your and your pets’ emergency kits handy so they can easily be taken with you.

Flooding situations can be traumatizing, and pets can get easily scared and confused, having an emergency plan in place for their safety as well as yours can truly help in a disaster.

SERVPRO of Kingston’s/New Paltz is here to help 24/7. Get in touch with us today to learn how we approach water restoration differently and can help you after an emergency.