Southern California’s 5.4 magnitude earthquake was a reminder to pet owners there and everywhere that you must include pets in your preparations for natural disasters. As the Los Angeles SPCA President Madeleine Bernstein pointed out in a statement, “Pets depend on us for their safety, food, water and more. With the earthquake that just occurred, it is important to have a disaster plan in place to ensure all members of the family are accounted for properly and it only takes a little advance preparation.”
Here are some tips on how to prepare for a natural disaster if you have pets to care for, too:
-stock extra supplies of dry or canned food, water, and medicine supplies
-ask your local fire department, animal shelter, or vet for “Pet Alert” signs to hang on doors and window that alert emergency workers to the presence of a pet or pets inside the home
-making sure dogs’ and cats’ identification tags are up-to-date
-during an emergency, making sure to reduce displays of stress and anxiety when dealing with your pets because animals are acutely aware of your distress and maybe become distressed too
-learn CPR for pets and basic first aid.
-Amanda Giffi
