Can it really be September? Well, the calendar says it’s true, so let’s talk Prep!
We’ve had a busy summer, packed with events focused mainly on wildfire prep. While Fire is definitely a big concern in much of the world, there are plenty of other things to be thinking about. In the area where we live, and much of the Pacific coast, we experienced a Tsunami Warning. That’s twice in 9 months!
While many folks may have ignored the warnings because they knew their location was not at risk, this and other types of alerts and warnings can prompt us to stop and ask ourselves: What if that had been a fire or flash flood warning? How quickly could I have skedaddled away with my pets/equines/others? Am I as ready as I’d like to be for an emergency?
If you’re a regular reader of our newsletters and articles, you know that we’re big fans of staying ready year-round. Taking small, frequent steps to keep your emergency plans, supplies, and animals in a constant state of readiness will keep you in good shape when “something” happens.
July and August brought loads of opportunities to connect with animal owners and caregivers in person. Pet Prep Talks, Barn Safety Workshops, gatherings with COPE, CERT, and other community groups provided lots of time to answer questions and learn what prep worries are keeping folks awake at night.
However, as well-attended as summertime events can be, I know it’s just a smidgeon of the animal-centric population. With that in mind, I thought a good way to start September would be to share answers to some of the timeliest FAQs.
Along with answers, we also give you tools for personal preparedness. Remember, you need to be safe and ready so you can help others and your animals.
Whatever you need help with, we hope you’ll find an answer to YOUR
biggest worry! You can find EVERYTHING you need to make a strong plan in our HALTER Project workbooks. Each of our Animal Emergency Plan Workbooks include step-by-step tips, checklists, and forms to create a complete emergency plan for whatever kinds of animals you have.
You can download all the tools that are underlined below.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is there a goodguide for making a pet emergency plan?
A: YES, the Pet Disaster Prep workbook includeseverything you need.
Q: My horses are at aboarding stable. How can I help them make an evacuation plan?
A: Equine ownersshould be pro-active in making sure they know how the barn manager plans tocare for their animals in case of evacuation or shelter-in-place situations. We have 2 great tools to help:
Q: How do I know when I should evacuate?
A: When you feel unsafe due to weather forecasts, conditions around you or nearby, and, absolutely if you receive an evacuation warning.
Q: At what point should I evacuate my animals in case of wildfire?
A: Wildfires move fast and can change direction in an instant. If you and/or your critters are in a high-risk area, and there’s a Fire Weather Watch or Warning, you should be READY TO GO.
If there’s a Red Flag, you should be on the road to a safe destination. If you received an Evacuation Warning, leave immediately. If you receive an Evacuation Order, it may be too late to safely evacuate some or all of your animals. If so, you may need to your shelter-in-place plan in action. The workbook links provided above include checklists for shelter-in-place planning as well as evacuation.
Q: If I can’t evacuate my animals, what can I do to help them?
A: For pets, equines and companion livestock in a wildfire or other natural disaster, you can usually request help for animals sheltering-in-place in evacuated zones by contacting local Animal Services. There may be a special Animal Helpline or email contact portal set up for Animal Assistance Requests.
Stay tuned to local emergency alerts for information. Call-2-1-1 may also have info about resources for pets and large animals. Also, in some areas, the county or State Department of Agriculture may be managing the animal disaster response.
Learning in advance what resources might be available can save critical time and reduce stress. Keep the info on your EAP.
Q: How can I find out if there is a local animal evacuation group in my area?
A: You can find out if your county or region has a Community Animal Response Team (CART) by contacting your local Animal Control or Animal Services agency.
CARTs and other types of organizations are the volunteer groups and teams authorized by the Department of Emergency Management to assist Animal Services during declared emergencies.
Q: If I have a go-bag, why do I need an Animal Emergency Plan?
A: Having go-bags for you and your animals is good start, but it’s just one piece of a strong action plan, which should include:
• Plans for different kinds of emergencies.
• A list of reliable helpers who can assist with transport or care for your animals if you’re not able.
• A list of destinations where you and your animals can be safe.
• A plan and supplies for sheltering-in-place.
• And contacts for all of the above.
Q: Where can I take my animals?
A: The best plan is to develop a list of places where you and your animals will be safe and comfortable. For example, Pet-friendly hotels, Airbnb’s, campgrounds, and friends all good options.
Do your homework to make sure your resources are up-to-date and will accept the pet species you have. “Pet-friendly” may not always include cats, or reptiles.
Q: What are the 3 most important things I can do to keep my animals safer in a disaster?
A: PRACTICE YOUR PLAN! Practice evacuating. Practice with your “Animal Emergency Buddies” and with each other’s animals. Practice loading in challenging weather and at nighttime. Make practice a regular thing.
Make your home as fire and earthquake-safe as possible. Safer homes and neighborhoods are safer for animals as well as humans.
Be the calm leader of your pack, herd, and neighborhood.
Q: Is there a good “quickie” checklist foranimal Evac prep?
A: Here are two:
— Fire-Weather Barn Routine Checklist
Q: I don’t have a personal emergency plan. Wherecan I get help?
— American Red Cross 21-Weeks to Prepare
— FEMA– Low and No Cost Preparedness
Q: I’m a caregiver for a person with pets but Idon’t know what to do in an emergency. What can I do?
A: Make a written plan that includes an Animal Emergency Plan and Advance Care Directive, included in all ourworkbooks.
Q: I want to make an Animal Emergency Plan butdon’t know where to start.
A: We’ve got your back!! If you have time right now to make a detailed plan here is an important 1-page Animal Emergency Plan to fill out, keep with your important documents, share with animal emergency helpers, caregivers, any anyone else who might be part of your animal safety net.
Q: I have a small property with donkeys and asmall flock of chickens. How can I plan for them?
A: Here’s an Animal Disaster Action Planning Guide for people with a few acres or a big backyard and equines, poultry, other livestock, and of course, a few pets.
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