Paws & Effect: Preparing pets for disaster

After the heavy rains and terrible flooding in recent weeks, it occurred to me that we had no disaster plan in place for our family pets. While it was fresh in my mind, I decided to design an emergency disaster plan that would allow our pets to be safe and cared for if we ever have to leave our home because of an emergency.

Here are some things to do now to help your pets in the event of a disaster or emergency:

__ID YOUR PET__

Stacy Busch-Heisserer

Make sure every pet in your household is wearing a collar and has up-to-date identification tags. In today's world, it's not so critical to have an address on a tag, but the more phone numbers, the better. Include your cellphone, an alternate phone and, if necessary, your vet's phone number. This also would be a good time to make sure the information with your microchip company is current. If you don't have your dog or cat microchipped, get that done! You will substantially increase the chances your pet is reunited with you in the event he or she is lost.

__PET DISASTER KIT__

-- Food and water for at least five days (for each pet). People need at least one gallon per person per day. An extra gallon can't hurt if you need water to flush a wound or if your pet has been exposed to chemicals or contaminated floodwater.

-- Dry food in an airtight container and/or canned wet food.

-- Bowls and a manual can opener.

-- Medications in a waterproof container and a first aid kit. Basic first aid items should include gauze bandages, tape, scissors and triple antibiotic ointment.

-- Medical records in a zip-top plastic bag

-- Cat litter, cat litter box, litter scoop, garbage bags.

-- Sturdy leashes, harnesses and pet carriers. Carriers should be large enough to allow your pet to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down, because he or she might have to be in the carrier for hours at a time.

-- Blankets or towels for bedding and warmth.

-- Photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your pets (in a waterproof plastic bag) to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated, or to prove they are yours once you are reunited.

-- Written information about your pets' feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues, along with the name and phone number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

-- Other important items include newspapers, paper towels, grooming items and bleach.

__FIND A SAFE PLACE TO STAY IN ADVANCE__

Never assume a human emergency shelter will accept your pet, no matter how small or quiet he or she might be. Before a disaster strikes, contact your veterinarian, the health department, animal shelters, boarding facilities or the emergency management office to see if you can take your pet with you.

Contact hotels and motels to see if they accept animals and what requirements or restrictions they have. Keep a list of pet-friendly places handy and call for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home. You also should call a reliable family member to see if he or she could take your pets if you are displaced. Just remember, there might be a lot of people in the same position as you, so don't wait until it's too late to find a safe place for your pets to stay.

If a disaster strikes and you aren't home, make arrangements for someone you trust to take your pets to safety. This person should be someone who knows your pet and is comfortable handling and transporting them. Let them meet in advance if possible. This person should have a key to your home (or know where to locate one), and should know where the pet emergency kit is, as well as where your pets are apt to hide if nervous or stressed.

__IF YOU EVACUATE, TAKE YOUR PET__

If it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets. How many times have we seen aerial footage of floods where people and animals are stuck on the roofs of homes waiting to be rescued? You have no way of knowing how long you might be away from home, so don't take any chances. It's also possible that you might not be allowed back at home for quite some time, so don't take any chances that you can get back home to your pet. He or she might be lost, hurt or even worse in the meantime.

__IF YOU CHOOSE TO STAY HOME, BE SAFE__

Close off any unsafe areas of your home where frightened pets (especially cats) might try to hide. That includes closing off any fireplaces, vents or doggie doors. Move toxic chemicals and sharp tools away from areas where your pets will be. Bring outside animals indoors as soon as local authorities say trouble is on the horizon. Keep dogs on leashes (with identification) and cats and small dogs in carriers, also with proper identification. Keep emergency pet supplies nearby. Keep perishable items in airtight containers.

__AFTER THE DISASTER__

Your home and surrounding property may not be in the best condition once the disaster is over, and it might be difficult for your pets to understand and adjust to that. Don't allow your pets to roam free. Pets could wander away and get disoriented in an unfamiliar situation. Look for damage to your home or property. If your house is damaged, your pets could escape. If your outdoor property has damage, there could be hazards that could harm your dog, such as downed trees or debris from buildings, or even displaced wildlife that could prove dangerous to your pets.

Pets thrive on routine. Try to get them back into a regular routine as soon as you can. Be ready for behavioral issues from stress and anxiety. If these problems persist, have your pet examined for physical issues. If those are ruled out, it might benefit you to speak to an animal behaviorist or dog trainer who can help you help your pet recover from emotional trauma.

It pays to be prepared. Don't wait until it's too late! Your critters depend on you to keep them safe.

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Stacy Busch-Heisserer is the owner of Busch Pet Products and Deer Creek Doggie Day Camp in Cape Girardeau. She is a lifelong animal lover who has four cats and four dogs.