DISASTER PREPARATION
The
storm at the end of May 2004, brought winds between 90 to 100 mph in
the Dallas Metroplex. Hail pounded roofs as tornado warnings sounded.
Fire, gas leaks and electrical outages gave people only seconds to
evacuate. People jammed into storefronts and homeless shelters. Many
pet owners were spared emotional and financial chaos by having a survival
plan.
Gather
Emergency Equipment. List items used daily. When shopping, purchase
at least one extra item from the list. Include a pen and paper for
emergency notes. Keep a sufficient amount of cash on hand as credit
cards and checks cannot be accepted when power is off. Add medicines,
extra glasses, hearing aid, crutch, or any other needed device. Include
batteries for items affected by a power loss.
Create a 72-Hour Kit
A comfortable backpack, pillowcase, suitcase, or any lightweight
carrier that easily packs three days of emergency equipment is adequate
as long as it can be transported long distances. Pack items so they
won't shift in transit.
Food may
not be available for long periods of time. MRE (Make Ready Emergency)
meals come in waterproof packs and can be eaten cold. Choose only foods
that you enjoy. Canned goods with pop-open lids eliminate the need
for a can opener. Food must be precooked and safe to eat without heating.
Dehydrated food is easily chewed. Do not use glass containers for food
storage. Transfer items to a plastic bottle with a screw top lid or
plastic bag with a zipper.
Water can
be purchased in small individual pouches with a five-year shelf life.
The minimum for survival is 8 ounces per day per person. Increase the
amount for personal hygiene and special needs. Pouches are inexpensive
and can be found through Internet catalogues or local camping stores.
There
are several safe ways to store water. One is to place drinking water
in a five-gallon container and add one tablespoon of unscented bleach
for each gallon. Plastic water jugs are not recommended for long-time
storage as they deteriorate quickly and may leak.
Safety
Plans include an escape route. Instruct your family on it's use
and practice often. Decide on a common place to meet and communication
methods in case of separation. When 9-11 occurred, cell phones
were useless as relay stations and power lines did not work. One
solution is to designate a “mail box” and leave notes inside of your
whereabouts. This could be a hidden container or a place to tack messages. Have your plan include contacting the Red Cross communications system in case a family member is lost.
Pet Care.During disasters, emergency personnel attempt to rescue pets forgotten by owners. However, frightened animals run from approaching strangers and wander into unexpected dangers or dart into the path of rescue vehicles. Assign someone in the family to be responsible for your pet during an evacuation. You may be delayed for days before you can return home.
Pet Safety. Pet backpacks are available and come in multiple sizes. These snap around the stomach and have ample pouches on both sides of the pack to carry sufficient food and water for your pet. Include a laminated instruction sheet listing special needs, medicines and vet information in the pouch in case you and your pet become separated. The finder will then know the care your pet needs and how to notify you.
First Aid. Pet first aid kits are a necessity during disasters. They are reasonably priced and in times of misfortune, your pet may need extensive help. Without it, you may lose your friend to permanent injury or death.
Pet Restraints. Accident surveys reveal that over 360,000 vehicle accidents occur each year due to unrestrained pets. If your pet wears a collar, add a halter and lead during an emergency. If your vehicle stops suddenly, using a collar to restrain the pet could result in a broken neck. Without a restraint, your pet could be thrown outside the vehicle. Using a halter, and a lead attached to the leg of a seat, your pet will be assured of travel without trauma.
Pets that don't travel well appreciate carriers and crates. Your pet will thank you for the safety and comfort.
Every person and pet in your household needs to be ready for emergencies. By following these guidelines, you and your family will have the calm assurance that you are prepared.
Julie Grant is owner of Pet Chauffeur Transport, a pet chauffeur company that operates in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and suburbs. She is available for special presentations and talks. Pet Chauffeur appreciates your comments and encourages you to send them, whether pro or con, to oegrant2@juno.com. All contents and articles on this website are copyrighted and require the express written permission of the author for copies, distribution, or use outside of this website.
