Story last updated at
4:05 PM on
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Don't forget animals in your family when putting together disaster kits
On Shaky Ground
Kim Lorentzen
If you've read this column before, then by now you know that disaster preparedness begins with a plan and a kit. If your “family” includes animals — whether it's the family dog, a back-talking exotic bird, horses or a dog team — you need to make room for them in your plan and they'll need their own “disaster kit.” Here are some suggested items for your animal's disaster kit:
Small Pets:
Water (don't forget bottles and tube sippers, if needed);
Food (rotate the stored emergency food so it never gets too old);
Carrier (airline crate, hutch, etc.);
Bedding and cleaning supplies;
Records (copies of immunizations are particularly important for ferrets); and
A photo.
Dogs and Cats:
Water (about one quart per day for a 10-pound animal; about one gallon per day for a 40-pound animal);
Food (rotate for freshness; include a non-electric can opener if necessary);
Bedding (newspaper to line crates, blankets, towels, etc.);
Litter and a box or pan for cats;
Leashes, collars, I.D. tags and photos;
Plastic bags and paper towels for waste cleanup;
Records (shelters and boarding facilities may require them);
Extra medication;
Muzzle or roll of gauze (even a gentle animal can become agitated in an emergency); and
Familiar toys and treats.
Birds:
Water (one-third to one-half gallon per day for large birds' drinking and bathing);
Electrolyte solution and fruit juice, if needed;
Dry spray bottles for cleaning/misting;
Food (rotate supplies);
Cleaning supplies;
Cage, cover, paper lining;
Clean towels to wrap bird for safe handling; and
Cage toys.
Horses:
Water (eight to 10 gallons per day; have at least a 48-hour supply);
Food (try to stay with regular food to avoid colic);
Extra halter and leads with tags on them for I.D.;
Leg wraps;
Immunizations records and photos; and
Basic first aid supplies.
As difficult as a disaster situation may be for you, it's probably worse for your animals. Consider whatever you'll need to keep them healthy and reasonably calm until you can return home or life returns to a normal pace.
Keep in mind that utilities you and your animal depend on may be unavailable for a while after a disaster. Take advantage of the opportunity to plan now for your pets in an emergency.
Kimberly Lorentzen works for the Kenai Peninsula Citizen Corps in the Kenai Peninsula Borough's Office of Emergency Management. She can be reached at 262-4910.
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