Don't forget about your pets. In an emergency situation, you have to be able to have your pets taken care of. Don't leave them in your home when you have to evacuate, this is when they need you the most.
Not all Red Cross shelters will allow pets in their shelters unless they are service animals (for the blind or otherwise). This is for health reasons. Make arrangements with friends or family outside the affected area for them to take care of your pets. Sometimes animal shelters will take them also. Make arrangements with your neighbors, that if something happens while you are away from home, plan a meeting place to pick up your pets to take them to safety.
Remember, that in a emergency situation, pets will not behave normally. They will bite when they usually do not. They will run and hide when they normally would come to you.
Not only have a emergency kit for you family, but a kit for your pets also, containing food, water, housing, bedding, etc. Have a kennel for dogs and cats, cages for birds with a water sprayer to keep their feathers moist, pillow cases for snakes, and sturdy cages for your small animal friends.
You know your pets best, preparedness includes yourself, your family and your furry friends that look to you for their basic needs: food, water, shelter, and love. Emergencies are when they need you the most.
By Lori
