Pet Disaster Plans-General Discussion

Be a Lifesaver: Disaster Planning Can Save Your Pet in an Emergency
https://www.bhg.com/pets/care/pet-safety/be-a-lifesaver-disaster-planning-can-save-your-pet-in-an-emergency/

Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, hazardous material spills—disasters can strike anytime, anywhere. If you think you will never have to evacuate unless you live in a flood plain, near an earthquake fault line or in a coastal area, you may be tragically mistaken. It is imperative
that you make preparations to evacuate your family and your pets in any situation. In the event of a disaster, proper preparation will pay off with the safety of your family and pets.  --- CONTINUED---

Includes:

If You Evacuate, Take Your PetDon't Forget IDFind a Safe Place Ahead of TimIf You Don't EvacuateAs the Disaster ApproachesIn Case You're Not HomeAfter the StormEvacuation Planning:Disaster Supply Checklist for PetsOther Evacuation Tips

From the ASPCA.

Disaster Preparedness
* Link Unavailable. This site is no longer active and available to view on line.  

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe, so the best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared. Here are simple steps you can follow now to make sure you’re ready before the next disaster strikes:  

Step 1: Get a Rescue Alert Sticker

This easy-to-use sticker will let people know that pets are inside your home. Make sure it is visible to rescue workers (we recommend placing it on or near your front door), and that it includes the types and number of pets in your home as well as the name and number of your veterinarian. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write “EVACUATED” across the stickers. To get a free emergency pet alert sticker for your home, please fill out our online order form and allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Your local pet supply store may also sell similar stickers.

Step 2: Arrange a Safe Haven

Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PETS BEHIND. Remember, if it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. They may become trapped or escape and be exposed to numerous life-threatening hazards. Note that not all shelters accept pets, so it is imperative that you have determined where you will bring your pets ahead of time:

[*]   Contact your veterinarian for a list of preferred boarding kennels and facilities.   
[*]Ask your local animal shelter if they provide emergency shelter or foster care for pets.   
[*]Identify hotels or motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.
[*]Ask friends and relatives outside your immediate area if they would be willing to take in your pet.

Step 3: Choose "Designated Caregivers”

This step will take considerable time and thought. When choosing a temporary caregiver, consider someone who lives close to your residence. He or she should be someone who is generally home during the day while you are at work or has easy access to your home. A set of keys should be given to this trusted individual. This may work well with neighbors who have pets of their own—you may even swap responsibilities, depending upon who has accessibility.

When selecting a permanent caregiver, you’ll need to consider other criteria. This is a person to whom you are entrusting the care of your pet in the event that something should happen to you. When selecting this “foster parent,” consider people who have met your pet and have successful cared for animals in the past. Be sure to discuss your expectations at length with a permanent caregiver, so he or she understands the responsibility of caring for your pet.

Step 4: Prepare Emergency Supplies and Traveling Kits

If you must evacuate your home in a crisis, plan for the worst-case scenario. Even if you think you may be gone for only a day, assume that you may not be allowed to return for several weeks. When recommendations for evacuation have been announced, follow the instructions of local and state officials. To minimize evacuation time, take these simple steps:

[*]Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification information. Your pet’s ID tag should contain his name, telephone number and any urgent medical needs. Be sure to also write your pet’s name, your name and contact information on your pet’s carrier.
[*]The ASPCA recommends microchipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification. A microchip is implanted under the skin in the animal’s shoulder area, and can be read by a scanner at most animal shelters.
[*]Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pets can become disoriented and wander away from home in a crisis.
[*]Store an emergency kit and leashes as close to an exit as possible. Make sure that everyone in the family knows where it is, and that it clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to consider keeping in or near your “Evac-Pack” include:
   
[*]Pet first-aid kit and guide book (ask your vet what to include)   
[*]3-7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)   
[*]Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)   
[*]Litter or paper toweling   
[*]Liquid dish soap and disinfectant   
[*]Disposable garbage bags for clean-up    
[*]Pet feeding dishes and water bowls    
[*]Extra collar or harness as well as an extra leash   
[*]Photocopies and/or USB of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless)    
[*]At least seven days’ worth of bottled water for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months)   
[*]A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet    
[*]Flashlight    
[*]Blanket    
[*]Recent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)    
[*]Especially for cats: Pillowcase, toys, scoop-able litter   
[*]Especially for dogs: Extra leash, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liner

You should also have an emergency kit for the human members of the family. Items to include: Batteries, duct tape, flashlight, radio, multi-tool, tarp, rope, permanent marker, spray paint, baby wipes, protective clothing and footwear, extra cash, rescue whistle, important phone numbers, extra medication and copies of medical and insurance information.

Step 5: Keep the ASPCA On-Hand at All Times

The free ASPCA mobile app shows pet parents exactly what to do in case of a natural disaster. It also allows pet owners to store vital medical records and provides information on making life-saving decisions during natural disasters. With a few swipes, you can:

[*]   Access critical advice on what to do with your pet before, during, and after a major storm—even if there’s no data connectivity.    
[*]Store and manage your pet’s critical health records.    
[*]Receive a personalized missing pet recovery kit, including step-by-step instructions on how to search for a lost animal in a variety of circumstances.    
[*]Build a lost pet digital flyer that can be shared instantly on your social media channels.    
[*]Get the latest and most relevant news about pets and animal welfare.

Other Considerations

Geographic Considerations: If you live in an area that is prone to certain natural disasters, such as tornadoes, earthquakes or floods, you should plan accordingly.
 
[*]Determine well in advance which rooms offer safe havens. These rooms should be clear or hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.    
[*]Choose easy-to-clean areas such as utility rooms, bathrooms and basements as safe zones   
[*]Access to a supply of fresh water is particularly important. In areas that may lose electricity, fill up bathtubs and sinks ahead of time to ensure that you have access to water during a power outage or other crises.   
[*]In the event of flooding, go to the highest location in your home, or a room that has access to counters or high shelves where your animals can take shelter.

Special Considerations for Horses
   
[*]Keep a clean and tidy stable and pasture. Remove hazardous and flammable materials, debris and machinery from around the barn’s walkways, entrances and exits. Regularly maintain and inspect barn floors and septic tanks. Inspect your grounds regularly and remove dangerous debris in the pasture.    
[*]Prevent fires by instituting a no-smoking policy around your barn. Avoid using or leaving on appliances in the barn, even seemingly-harmless appliances like box fans, heaters and power tools can overheat. Exposed wiring can also lead to electrical fires in the barn, as can a simple nudge from an animal who accidentally knocks over a machine.    
[*]Get your horse used to wearing a halter, and get him used to trailering. Periodically, you should practice quickly getting your horse on a trailer for the same reason that schools have fire drills—asking a group of unpracticed children to exit a burning building in a calm fashion is a little unrealistic, as is requesting a new and strange behavior of your horse.    
[*]If you own a trailer, please inspect it regularly. Also, make sure your towing vehicle is appropriate for the size and weight of the trailer and horse. Always make sure the trailer is hitched properly—the hitch locked on the ball, safety chains or cables attached, and emergency brake battery charged and linked to towing vehicle. Proper tire pressure (as shown on the tire wall) is also very important.   
[*]Get your horse well-socialized and used to being handled by all kinds of strangers. If possible, invite emergency responders and/or members of your local fire service to interact with your horse. It will be mutually beneficial for them to become acquainted. Firemen’s turnout gear may smell like smoke and look unusual, which many horses find frightening—so ask them to wear their usual response gear to get your horse used to the look and smell.    
[*]Set up a phone tree/buddy system with other nearby horse owners and local farms. This could prove invaluable should you—or they—need to evacuate animals or share resources like trailers, pastures or extra hands!   
[*]Keep equine veterinary records in a safe place where they can quickly be reached. Be sure to post emergency phone numbers by the phone. Include your 24-hour veterinarian, emergency services and friends. You should also keep a copy for emergency services personnel in the barn that includes phone numbers for you, your emergency contact, your 24-hour veterinarian and several friends.

Special Considerations for Birds

[*]   Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.    
[*]In cold weather, make certain you have a blanket over your pet’s cage. This may also help reduce the stress of traveling.   
[*]In warm weather, carry a spray bottle to periodically moisten your bird’s feathers.    
[*]Have recent photos available, and keep your bird’s leg bands on for identification.    
[*]If the carrier does not have a perch, line it for paper towels that you can change frequently.    
[*]Keep the carrier in as quiet an area as possible.    
[*]It is particularly imperative that birds eat on a daily basis, so purchase a timed feeder. If you need to leave your bird unexpectedly, the feeder will ensure his daily feeding schedule.    
[*]Items to keep on hand: Catch net, heavy towel, blanket or sheet to cover cage, cage liner

Special Considerations for Reptiles

[*]   A snake may be transported in a pillowcase, but you should have permanent and secure housing for him when you reach a safe place.  
[*]Take a sturdy bowl that is large for your pet to soak in. It’s also a good idea to bring along a heating pad or other warming devise, such as a hot water bottle.  
[*]Lizards can be transported like birds (see above).

Special Considerations for Small Animals

[*]   Small animals, such as hamsters, gerbils, mice and guinea pigs, should be transported in secure carriers with bedding materials, food and food bowls.   
[*]Items to keep on hand: Salt lick, extra water bottle, small hidebox or tube, a week’s worth of bedding.

Tri-Fold Brochure

U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Consultation with the American Kennel Club, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, American Veterinary Medicical Association and the Humane Society of the US

Prepare for Emergencies Now: Information for Pet Owners
https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-03/prepare-for-emergencies-pet-owners.pdf

Points Covered include:

   1. PREPARE- Get an Emergency Supply Kit
   2. PLAN - What You Will Do In An Emergency
   3. STAY INFORMED - Know About Types of Emergencies

This is some old info I had from the Humane Society of US. It's still good, so I'm sharing.

Disaster Preparedness for Pets
* Link Unavailable. This site is no longer active and available to view on line.  

The key to survival during a disaster, crisis or emergency is to be as prepared as possible before the storm hits. Take the time to make a plan and assemble an emergency kit for you and your pet. By taking these steps now, you will greatly increase your pet's chances of survival.

For further information on the following topics go to: http://www.hsus.org/hsus_field/hsus_disaster_center/resources/disaster_preparedness_for_pets.html

Before the Disaster
-Prepare for Everyday Emergencies -Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets -Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time -In Case You're Not Home -Don't Forget ID -Tips for horses and farm animals

During the Disaster
-When You Evacuate, Take Your Pets With You-If you Don't Evacuate, Shelter in Place

After the Disaster
-After the Storm

Prepare for Everyday Emergencies

These are example scenarios that could happen to you at any time, anywhere in the country. Prepare yourself for these events, and if a large disaster should ever hit, you will be ready and know what to do:

-The roads are icy, traffic is a mess and you decide to stay with a friend instead of risking the drive home from school or work. Who will check on your cat and feed her?
-While you were out running errands, a propane truck overturned on the street near your neighborhood and you are not allowed to go home.
-A police officer tells you the electricity to your neighborhood was shut off. How can you make sure your birds stay warm?
-Your mother-in-law has had a heart attack and you are going to meet your wife at the hospital. It may be a long night. Who will give your dog his medicine?

The Humane Society of the United States recommends the following actions to make sure your pets are taken care of when everyday events like these prevent you from taking care of your pets:
-Find a trusted neighbor and give them a key to your house or barn. Make sure this person is comfortable and familiar with your pets.
-Make sure the neighbor knows your pets' whereabouts and habits, so they will not have to waste precious time trying to find or catch them.
-Create a pet emergency/disaster kit and place it in a prominent place where your neighbor can find it.
-If the emergency involves evacuation, make sure the neighbor would be willing to take your pets and has access to the appropriate carriers and leashes. Plan to meet at a prearranged location. -If you use a pet sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets
Every member of your family should know what he or she needs to take when you evacuate. You also need to prepare supplies for your pet. Stock up on non-perishables well ahead of time, and have everything ready to go at a moment's notice. Keep everything accessible, stored in sturdy containers (duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.) that can be carried easily.

If you reside in an area prone to certain seasonal disasters, such as flooding or hurricanes that might require evacuation, create a kit to keep in your car.

In your pet disaster kit, you should include:
-Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.
-Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also good to include.
-Cat litter box, litter, garbage bags to collect all pets' waste, and litter scoop.
-Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can't escape. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time while you are away from home. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth, and other special items.
-Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove that they are yours.
-Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress.
-Information about your pets' feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and household bleach.

Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time

-Because evacuation shelters generally don't accept pets (except for service animals), you must plan ahead to make certain your family and pets will have a safe place to stay. Don't wait until disaster strikes to do your research.
-Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size and species. Inquire if the "no pet" policies would be waived in an emergency. Make a list of animal-friendly places and keep it handy. Call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home.
-Check with friends, relatives or others outside your immediate area. Ask if they would be able to shelter you and your animals or just your animals, if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may need to house them at separate locations.
-Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour telephone numbers.
-Ask your local animal shelter if it provides foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. This should be your last resort, as shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency.

In Case You're Not Home
An evacuation order may come, or a disaster may strike, when you're at work or out of the house.
-Make arrangements well in advance for a trusted neighbor to take your pets and meet you at a specified location. Be sure the person is comfortable with your pets and your pets are familiar with him/her, knows where your animals are likely to be, knows where your disaster supplies are kept and has a key to your home.

If you use a pet-sitting service, it may be able to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

Don't Forget ID

Your pet should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. This includes adding your current cell phone number to your pet's tag. It may also be a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area, if your pet is lost, you'll want to provide a number on the tag that will be answered even if you're out of your home.

When You Evacuate, Take Your Pets With You

The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them with you when you evacuate. Animals left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost or killed. Animals left inside your home can escape through storm-damaged areas, such as broken windows. Animals turned loose to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents. Leaving dogs tied or chained outside in a disaster is a death sentence.

-If you leave, even if you think you may only be gone for a few hours, take your animals. When you leave, you have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets.-Leave early - don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order. An unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to leave safely with your pets. If you wait to be evacuated by emergency officials, you may be told to leave your pets behind.

If You Don't Evacuate, Shelter in Place

If your family and pets must wait out a storm or other disaster at home, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. Be sure to close your windows and doors, stay inside, and follow the instructions from your local emergency management office.

-Bring your pets indoors as soon as local authorities say there is an imminent problem. Keep pets under your direct control; if you have to evacuate, you will not have to spend time trying to find them.
-Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification.
-If you have a room you can designate as a "safe room," put your emergency supplies in that room in advance, including your pet's crate and supplies.
-Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers, along with your other emergency supplies.
-If there is an open fireplace, vent, pet door, or similar opening in the house, close it off with plastic sheeting and strong tape.
-Listen to the radio periodically, and don't come out until you know it's safe.

After the Storm

Planning and preparation will help you survive the disaster, but your home may be a very different place afterward, whether you have taken shelter at home or elsewhere.

-Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations.
-While you assess the damage, keep dogs on leashes and keep cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost.
-Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be ready for behavioral problems that may result from the stress of the situation. If behavioral problems persist, or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.

Updated March 20, 2007.

Pets and Animals
https://www.ready.gov/pets

Includes:

Get Informed
Make a Plan
Tips for Large Animals
Build a Kit

Here's a 2 page pdf from Ready.Gov:

Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.
https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/pet-owners-fact-sheet_printer-friendly.pdf

Includes:
Get a Kit
Make a Plan
Be Prepared

Pet Disaster Preparedness
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html

In an emergency, your pets will be even more dependent on you for their safety and well-being. Your family’s disaster plans must include your furry family members too. Learn what to do to keep your beloved pets safe! ---CONTINUED---

Disaster Prep Manual for Pets-A downloadable PDF from the American Veterinary Medical Association (2008)

Saving the Whole Family
https://www.mendocinocounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument?id=160

 (SNIP) ... Tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fires, blizzards, terrorism…
Devastating natural and man-made disasters can ravage our lives. No one is
exempt from the possibility of being affected personally. You need to prepare for
yourself and for your animals in case of disaster.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has developed this
booklet to help you avoid having to leave your animals stranded in the event of a
disaster or an evacuation. --- Download ENTIRE Brochure at link, above ---

Making Emergency Preparations for Your Pet
https://www.thereadystore.com/blog/making-emergency-preparations-for-your-pet

  Our pets often become more than animals to us, they become members of the family! And just as we make emergency preparations for our families, we need to make emergency preparations for our pets. For the most part, pets need the same preparations and items that we need, including food, water, shelter, medications, etc as well as a few special items specific to just your pet. By making all of the following preparations beforehand, your pet will be ready to go in any emergency.   ---CONTINUED---

Helping Four-Legged Friends Survive the Storm
https://nasdonline.org/1955/d001893/helping-four-legged-friends-survive-the-storm.html

(SNIP) ... Animals are affected by disasters and emergencies, just like people. They can sense danger and become anxious, and they are just as vulnerable to strong winds, rising waters, or flying debris as humans.

(SNIP) ... We encourage you to use this manual to make notes and write out ideas that apply to your community and area. Beyond that, we suggest that you share this material with other officials, citizens, and employees so that they can be more active in disaster preparations and can indeed triumph over tragedy.    ---CONTINUED---