Family Preparedness Plans Must Include Pets
IEMA, local emergency management agencies to focus on
pet preparedness throughout June
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[June 26, 2017]
SPRINGFIELD
– Pets are cherished family members in many Illinois homes, so it’s
important for pet owners to have plans to keep their pets safe
during and after emergencies. Throughout National Pet Preparedness
Month in June, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and
local emergency management agencies will provide tips and
information on pet emergency preparedness. |
“More than half of homes in Illinois have at least
one pet,” said IEMA Director James K. Joseph. “Emergency situations
can be very stressful, particularly for pets who don’t understand
what is happening. If your family includes a dog, cat, hamster or
other furry, feathered or scaly friends, don’t forget to include
their unique needs in your home emergency plans.”
Joseph said home emergency supply kits for people should include a
three-day supply of such items as food, water, first aid kit,
weather alert radio, flashlights, spare batteries and other items.
Pet owners should also have a pet preparedness kit stocked with
items such as:
-
At
least a three-day supply of food and water
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Extra supplies of pet medicines
Copies of pet registration, vaccinations and other important
documents
-
Photo of your pet in case you are separated during an emergency
Collar with ID tag, harness or leash
Crate or other pet carrier in case of evacuation
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Pet litter and box, newspapers, paper towels,
plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach for
sanitation
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Toys, treats or other familiar items to
reduce your pet’s stress during the emergency
A disaster may require you to evacuate your home, sometimes with
little notice. It’s important to take pets with you, as an evacuation could last
several days, even weeks, and your pets likely cannot survive without care. Plan
now for places you and your pets can stay following an evacuation, as many
public shelters do not allow animals inside.
It’s also important to have a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for
or evacuate your animals yourself. Talk to neighbors, friends and family to make
sure someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to
do so.
Additional pet preparedness and general emergency preparedness information is
available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov,
[Illinois Emergency Management
Agency] |