Iowa Pets Displaced By Flood Reinforce Need for Emergency Preparedness

This spring, flood-waters in Iowa forced over 4,000 residents to evacuate – many with their animals.  According to an article in the New York Times, ashelter in Cedar Rapids has willingly accepted over 1,000 animals from residents who had to flee their homes and were unable to find a place that could accommodate both them and their pets.  This story has reinforced for me the need to ensure that all homes have an emergency preparedness kit that contains supplies for both the human and animal family members.  Remember, an emergency kit is one of those items you never think you will need…until it’s too late.  Here is a list of what your pet’s emergency kit should contain:

1. Emergency Contact Info (incl. your Vet’s info).
2. Portable radio and extra batteries (Listen to EAS, Emergency Alert System)
3. Pet carrier or portable cage for each pet; a stake-out chain is a good addition for your dog – you can use it to give him fresh air when fences and walls are down. 
4. One week’s supply of dry food and water (if pet only eats canned food, bring flip-top cans plus can opener for others you might buy).
5. Non-spill food and water bowls
6. Medications, dosing instructions and medical records in waterproof containers.
7. Pet first-aid book and kit appropriate for each type pet.
8. Vaccination and medical records (may not be able to board them without this).
9. Newspaper, paper towels and towelettes.
10.  Plastic bags for waste disposal, cleanser and disinfectants.
11.  Current photo of each pet (may be necessary to reclaim or find pet).
12.  I.D. tag. Include home and cell phone no., rabies and license tags.  Bring adhesive tape to write temporary address and phone on tags.  Use spray paint or fingernail polish to write on the side of the animal if you have nothing else.
13. Collars and leashes for each pet (no choke collars–consider a harness).
14. Duct tape and scissors/knife and rope.
15. Votive candle and water-proof matches.
16. Flashlights and extra batteries.
17. Blanket (to carry injured animal, cover bird cage if cold, etc.). In hot weather, carry a plant mister to cool down birds.  Rub the blanket over your pet before you put it in the kit to get your pet’s scent on it – it will give him great comfort.  If you must leave him at a facility, rub your hands on it to add your scent as well. 
18. Cash, credit card and your drivers’ license—be sure it has your current address or you may not be allowed to return to your home to retrieve your pets.
19. Tranquilizers, if possible.
20. Book or list of motels that accept pets
21. Toys and chews to distract them (they are even more terrified than you are).
22. Be sure your car/van is full of gas and that it can hold all your crates, cages and pets. 
23. Be sure you have Bleach to purify water.  (Use only household liquid bleach to kill micro-organisms.  Use bleach that contains 5.25% sodium hypochlorite—  Don’t use scented bleaches, color-safe bleaches or bleaches with added cleaners.)  Add 16 drops of bleach per gallon of water; stir and let stand for 30 minutes.  If the water doesn’t have a slight bleach odor, repeat the dosage and let stand another 15 minutes.  If you can boil water, it is the safer way to purify it – bring water to a rolling boil for 3-5 minutes.