If there is anything that can upset all us pups, it is the sound of storms! And, right now, we are in the middle of what my Lady calls storm season. In our neck of the woods, our biggest worries are about tornadoes and floods. When that ole wind goes to howlin’ and the thunder and lightening is cracklin’ – like it is doin’ right now – it sure gets scary round here. When that thunder claps, us pups ’bout jump out of our skin! Then, if it rains enough and the rivers overflow, that water starts coverin’ up the whole outside and it gets even scarier! But, I gots to tell ya, my Lady has been through a bad tornado that destroyed her home and a big path through her hometown. She learned her lesson the hard way and now when the storm warnin’s start comein’ in, she starts puttin’ our Disaster Preparedness Plan in place! She says us pups shouldn’t worry cause she has us covered in the plan too. I’ll let my Lady tell ya all about it and how you can prepare a Disaster Preparedness Plan for Pets so you can be #PetPrepared too! And by the way, when she said we were gonna tell ya ’bout it, she didn’t tell us we were gonna LITERALLY be in the middle of tornadoes and sirens on picture and post night WOOF!
This is what my Lady has to say about having a Disaster Preparedness Plan for Pets:
Disaster preparedness is something that most of us don’t think about. It’s the unfortunate “It can never happen to me” part of the human condition, I think. These, my friends are the famous last words of all of us. That’s why I was excited to talk about the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network today. Not only do they help animals in need, they also want us all to think about how important a disaster preparedness plan is for our pets.
Miss Molly is correct in saying that we were dealing with some nasty thunderstorms and heavy hitting tornadoes on the very night we wanted to show you how we prepare. How ironic is that? She is also correct in saying that I prepare. With seven furbabies depending on me, I have to have a disaster preparedness plan for pets in place AHEAD OF TIME! Waiting until the very last minute just will not work. I look around at the trusting eyes of my 4-legged family members and I know I have a big responsibility in my hands. I have to make sure that not only am I safe, but they are safe and cared for too.
Anyone that has lived through a disaster can tell you it is a whole new ballgame from just hearing about it. It is absolutely terrifying! All thinking kind of goes out the window. That is why it is so important to have a disaster plan in place beforehand. For example, if severe storms are predicted, I get out the trusty backpack and load the essentials. I include items such as any daily medications and each of the pups vet information packets, which also includes our vet’s contact information. I also include collapsible food/water bowls, a small blanket, a couple of toys, and a small first aid kit. I make sure I have my purse with money, credit cards and ID. I also make sure I have my phone, which holds pics of all my pups for identification.
In addition to the backpack full of supplies, I also gather Little Bit into her crate (little dogs are hard to keep up with in extreme circumstances) and all the big dog’s leashes. I know I should also pack a few days of food, but with seven big dogs that sometimes is an unreal expectation. Instead, I throw in a bag of jerky treats, which would hopefully hold them until I could manage food. However, I always keep a supply of bottled water on hand. We also have the phone numbers of places we can retreat to that accepts dogs if need be.
It seems like a lot of things, but I have became a master at packing a lot into a little! Just think necessary and needed. If we were ever to have to evacuate, I am satisfied that I could grab my needed items on a moments notice, load them up, along with my dogs, and go!
Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® Program
The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® program is a living, breathing example of they live out their mission statement on a daily basis and is based on four pillars: Volunteer, Donate, Choose and Adopt. The Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® program has provided over $280 million worth of food to nearly 1,000 shelters, 365 days a year helping over 8 million pets waiting for adoption and counting. They believe that all pets deserve proper, balanced nutrition.
Photo Credit: Hill’s Pet Nutrition
Disaster Preparedness – A Helping Hand from Hill’s
FEMA National Pet Disaster Preparedness Day is on May 14th, so it seems like the perfect time to talk about the Hill’s Disaster Relief Network. This is a network designed specifically to meet the needs of pets when disaster strikes. It is an extension of the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love® program. This network is positioned to quickly provide shipments of pet food to communities which have been impacted by major disasters.
This is such an important cause, because while we see so many funds to help people, we really don’t see anything focusing on pets. In fact, over the last three years, the network has delivered free food to over 60 animal shelters and vet clinics around the country in response to 25 major incidents including floods in Colorado, fires in Idaho and Arizona, the Texas fertilizer plant explosion, the Washington mudslide, and tornadoes in the central and southern regions of the United States. Three of these major incidents occurred last year, including relief after the tornado hit on Moore, Oklahoma.
Photo Credit: Hill’s Pet Nutrition
The Hill’s Disaster Relief Network is committed to helping animals in need after major disasters. They’re also committed to making sure that we’re prepared in the event of an emergency. That’s why they’re stressing the importance of disaster preparedness for our pets as well as ourselves. They’ve even provided a checklist to help us all make sure that our pets are as protected as we are. Take a look:
Seven Tips to Ensure Your Pet’s Safety in an Emergency:
- Ensure your pet can be identified by either a microchip or collar ID tag and that the contact information is up to date.
- Prepare a “Pet Emergency Go-Kit” of pet supplies that is readily accessible in an emergency. Your Pet Go-Kit should include the following: first aid supplies and guide book; a 3-day supply of pet food in a waterproof container and bottled water; a safety harness and leash; waste clean-up supplies; medications and medical records; a contact list of veterinarian and pet care organizations; information on your pet’s feeding routine and any behavioral issues; comfort toys; and a blanket.
- Display a pet rescue decal on your front door or window to let first responders know there is a pet in the house. Include your veterinarian’s contact information.
- Learn where your pet likes to hide in your house when they are frightened. Finding them quickly will help you evacuate faster.
- Identify a location to take your pet if you need to leave your immediate area. Keep in mind that disaster shelters for people may not be open to pets. Scout hotels and motels with pet-friendly policies and ask relatives or friends if they could house you and your pet.
- Carry a picture of your pet in the event of separation.
- If you need to evacuate, consider taking a pet carrier or crate if possible for transport and safe-keeping.
Prepare your own Pet Emergency Go-Kit
When it comes to preparing your own Pet Emergency Go-Kit, check out this great “Can You Take Care of Your Pet in an Emergency” infographic for ideas!
Go ahead and print out the infographic by clicking on the image or click here. Then, start preparing and just check off the items as you prepare your Pet Emergency Go-Kit!
Disaster Preparedness – As Important for Our Pets as for Us
Disaster preparedness is something that we should bear in mind when it comes to our pets as well as to us. It’s easy to overlook it because our pets feel like extensions of ourselves, but remember, pets are like kids. When they get scared all bets are off. Be sure you have all aspects of disaster preparedness covered as it pertains to your pet using the checklist above. It’s a great way to ensure that your disaster preparedness plan covers all family members – both two and four legged. So, let me ask you again – are you pet prepared with a Disaster Preparedness Plan for your pets?
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Hill’s® Pet Nutrition, Inc. The opinions and text are all mine.
I need to put together a Pet Emergency Go Kit. This is valuable advice.
I love this advice. Whenever there is a tornado warning, my husband and I cage up the cats and hop in the car for shelter. I never really think about food.
These are things I’ve never thought of in case of emergency. Thank you for the reminder.
So glad to hear you were prepared in advanced for your horrible weather. What a great reminder of why we need to plan in advance and be ready just in case the warnings really do bring power outages, trees down or worse. Hope today is a brand new day and that everyone at your house is safe and sound!
This is the time of year to be prepared–and double check previous plans to be sure everything is set. With the fire in Canada and the tornadoes across the Midwest, it’s clear that disaster is always just a heartbeat away. Hope this helps everyone stay safe!
Thank you for sharing such important information!
These are some good tips, thanks for sharing.
The thought of a disaster is scary enough on its own, but I never even considered a plan for our dog. This is definitely something I plan to discuss with my family.
We posted about being pet prepared for disaster, too. This campaign got the mom moving to put a plan in place for us.
With the fires burning out of control here in part of Canada, and so many people and pets being displaced, this is a wonderful post with great tips.
If it thunders here mom blasts the TV til we’re deaf
Lily & Edward
It is a very important topic especially for those of us that live in areas where natural disasters strike. I’m sure it is frightening to live under the threat of tornadoes. Stay safe everyone!
such a great post on such a important subject!
i sort of am, i have their crates in the house, always keep their dog food, treats, etc. together, their collars, tags, are all in 1 bag. i plenty of bottled water. i would not leave my pets, but there are stickers on all of the doors. i also have a pet life saving kit when i took the course yrs ago that has bandages, etc, in it. i always go gas up my car when i hear a storm is coming as well, have my charges ready and charged, no electric lights, batteries, etc.
Rather be safe than sorry we are prepared
I love that you have such a detailed list that I can now use to be a better pet parent and get prepared. Have never even considered this.
You have a lot of responsibility to get them all out in the event of disaster. It is smart of you to be so well prepared!
I never though of all that and with some of the stories in the news of disasters and lost pets, I feel bad that I haven’t. I only have a dog a small amount of time but I still need to make sure she’s taken care of just like my cat. I do have her chipped and have probably 75% of the other things you suggested but I need to step it up, particularly during tornado season.
Great post – and kudos to Hills for helping out in such awesome ways! We’ve learned that it is best to be prepared “just in-case” and we commend you for helping to spread the word!
I haven’t prepared a Pet Emergency Go-Kit of pet supplies for our pets yet. It sounds like it would be very useful though!
We had a major flood (1000-year) in SC this past fall. The closest place that was effected was within 5 miles from our house. This is a reminder that we need to have a plan in place.
Good information, some things I have done but a good reminder. Just after the fire in Canada. I to have been in tornado where it took our barns & we were with out electricity & water for nine days, luckily none of our animals were hurt. Have also been in flash floods where we had to load all the animals up.
This is some great info. I am going to put me together a pet emergency kit.
We worry about earthquakes here. We’ve settled on freeze dried food for Mr. N’s emergency stash as he eats raw food normally and he’s so super picky about kibble/canned/dehydrated food.
I do have bottled water, canned food, and dry food in the disaster bag. The toughest thing may really be catching her if she is in a panic or hiding under the bed.
We keep travel crates and blankets in the basement, as well as our first aide items. It is a start but there is so much more thst ee can do.
yes include your pets in disaster preparedness.
Wow. This made me realize how not ready I am. I need to get to work!
I have been thinking about putting together a pet preparedness kit for my dog. Thank you for the list and information to do just that.
I think it is always important to be prepared for anything! Thank you so much for this.
Our cat is part of the family and we would always try to keep him safe.
I think I am better prepared to take my cat out in an emergency than myself. I think we all need help in this.
Thanks so much for this! As much as we all love our pets, I’m sure I’m not the only one who is guilty of not considering all of the smartest things to do in these situations. Much needed advice. ??
I love the tips you never know when something can happen better to be prepared to care for your pets. Hills makes great products that I use for my cats.
These are very good tips. I would have not thought of some these tips.
We take care of our pets in addition to a lot of rescue cats
Theses dogs are really cute
Not only do we have a disaster preparedness plan, we also have a plan incase that we are hospitalized or worse.
This is really great information to have, especially with me living on the Gulf Coast and very prone to hurricanes. Thanks for sharing it.