National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is May 13, 2023. Life on the Big Island is beautiful, but we also face many disaster threats. We're here to help you replace worry with preparedness. Here are four health and safety tips to keep in mind this National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day and every day.
In a disaster scenario that requires evacuation, make plans to take your pet with you. If your home is unsafe for you, it is also unsafe for your animal. Map out where you will go in the event of a disaster, ensuring that your evacuation destination allows pets.
A missing pet is every owner's worst nightmare. Fortunately, there are many pet reunion success stories thanks to effective ID tags or microchips. Disaster or no disaster, identifying your pet with current information is of the utmost importance.
FEMA recommends preparing two emergency kits: one for sheltering in place and a more compact one for evacuation. Each kit should include basic supplies, such as:
• Food and water to last several days
• Medication and a first-aid kit
• A crate, toys and treats
• An extra harness, leash and ID tags
• A photo of you and your pet to prove ownership
One of the best tools you can have in your preparedness kit is awareness. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy to ignore news notifications. However, to give yourself and your pet a fair chance at staying safe, pay close attention to what's going on around you. Local officials may notify you through wireless emergency alerts, and you should heed the information they provide.
We can help you prepare for the unexpected. If you need help with animal disaster preparations or have questions about your pet's care, reach out to Pet Hospitals of Hawaii today!