Personal Emergency Preparedness - Monthly Preparedness Articles & Tips
Purses, Pills…and Pets!
January - 2011
by Diana Andrekus, Public Health Specialist
Kenosha County Division of Health
Purses, Pills and Pets – the “3 P’s” of emergency evacuation may be familiar to you. How did this memory-jogger come to be? Purses are the transportation device that holds just about everything that a woman needs to care for her family (including the man’s wallet!) Prescription Pills help keep our bodies functioning properly. And, pets provide the companionship that keeps us sane!
Many of you have prepared yourself for an emergency situation with a “Go Bag” (or a purse) by the door, just in case you have to leave. A “File of Life” on the refrigerator, with your pill bottles close by, just in case you have a medical emergency; and, an emergency supply kit - just in case you have to shelter in place. But, have you thought about your pets?
Be prepared to evacuate your pet:
- Identify a pet-friendly location for evacuation. For public health reasons many emergency shelters cannot accept pets, but a friend, family member or motel may welcome them.
- Prepare a pet “Go Bag.” Include food, bottled water, medications and veterinary records.
- Make sure you have a secure pet carrier, leash or harness. Consider the safety of your pet and others.
- Make sure I.D. tags are current and securely fastened to your pet's collar. Keep a current photo of your pet for identification purposes.
If you have no other choice and must evacuate without your pet - remember the following:
- Your safety is of utmost importance – leave your home with the advice of safety professionals. Our pets may be considered members of our family, but they are pets.
- Never leave your pet chained outside. Leave her loose inside with plenty of food and water. Place a notice in a visible area that alerts to the location of your pet and provides a phone number where you can be contacted as well as the name and number of your vet.
Be prepared to shelter at home with your pet:
- Include extra water and food for your pet in your emergency supply kit. Also include extra medications and veterinary records.
- Include litter and/or newspaper for sanitary purposes.
- Include pet toys in your emergency supply kit. Pets need to play and exercise!
Be prepared for any emergency situation. Remember – Purses, Pills…and those special companions, our Pets! For more information on emergency preparedness for pets, call the Humane Society of Wisconsin at (414) 264-6257 or visit the FEMA website:
http://www.fema.gov/plan/prepare/animals.shtm.
