Pet Tips
What to do if Terrorists Strike--
Include Your Pets in Disaster Plans
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security and the Humane Society of the United States all agree -- in case of any emergency, you need to include the family pets in disaster plans.
It doesn't matter if we're talking natural disasters or terrorist actions, think about your pets ahead of time and prepare emergency supplies. The following list contains some important items to consider.
- A 7-day supply of food and bottled drinking water in secure containers.
- Spare water and food dishes.
- Pet carriers and leashes.
- ID, vet records and medications.
- Blankets and toys.
- Litter and waste containers.
Arrange for someone to care for your pets in your absence. Contact a pet sitter, like myself, find out if local animal shelters will be available to care for your animals. Do whatever it takes to make sure your pets won't be left behind.
We've all heard of the pet gas masks being sold in Israel and elsewhere. But Thom Somes, "The Pet Safety Guy" (www.PetTech.net) doesn't recommend gas masks for your pets. "A gas mask may actually harm your pet rather than help," he warned. "For example, dogs keep their bodies cool by panting and if a gas mask interferes with a dog's breathing, it could cause a dangerous rise in temperature."
According to Tom Ridge, US Secretary of Homeland Security, the most important thing to do is make a decision as to how you will handle a terrorist attach situation. Will you stay in place or will you travel out of the area? Once that decision is made, then devise a plan to support your decision. Additional information is available at www.ready.gov, www.fema.gov and www.hsus.org.
