Why do you need a Disaster Plan?

Disaster preparedness is essential for your family, your pets and for those that live on farms with large animals. 38% of U.S. households have children and 43% have pets.
In order to be able to evacuate your home, preparation is necessary. In a matter of minutes, you and your family may need to leave your home and you have nothing prepared to take with you. Any disaster that threatens human life threatens animals, too. Plan ahead for all types of emergencies, from house fires to tornadoes to floods.
Public shelters do not accept pets. If you wait until the last minute to plan to evacuate your home, you may have to go to a public shelter. Preparing in advance allows you to take your animals with you or to leave them in a safe location.
This guide covers preparing for a disaster and what to do with your pets and/or livestock to help them survive the disaster.

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Be Prepared

1. Make sure your pets have collars with their identification tags and rabies tag. On the back of one or both of the tags, add a contact person's name and telephone number.
2. Take yearly photographs of your pets. These photos should include any and all identifying marks on your pets. Include a descriptive list with your photo packet.
3. A neighbor or friend should know how to reach you and your contact person. This neighbor should be familiar with your pets in order to help evacuate them in case you are not available.
4. Prepare an emergency supply kit for your pets. Keep this kit with the carriers you will use when evacuating.
5. Locate a safe place for you and your pets. Remember, evacuation shelters do not accept pets. Call your veterinarian and any boarding kennels and ask if they will be able to care for your pets. Call local and area hotels and motels to see what their pet policy is: if they can take you and your pets, ask if there is a restriction as to size or number. Ask your contact person, a family member or friend if they can take you and your pets in.
6. Do NOT leave your pets behind!
   

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Exotic animals

Exotics are special care animals. You will need to find a special care facility for them, if you cannot take them with you. Contact area zoos, nature centers and your veterinarian to find a place to relocate your exotics. To prepare to evacuate with exotics, write down the animals' special care requirements. This is essential for the care of these animals.

Livestock

It is impossible to relocate large numbers of cattle or horses. If you must leave them behind, make sure the location is safe.

Prepare

1. All vaccinations and Coggins tests must be current.
2. Maintain a current log of identification numbers with the animal's health record.
3. Fencing should always be in good repair. It is recommended that woven wire fencing is best to avoid injury to animals.
4. Evaluate barns and other structures and maintain them. Avoid letting them become a major source of debris.
5. Pastures should have high and low areas. if your pasture has a tendency to flood no more than 3 feet, build dirt mounds for the livestock.

At the time of the disaster . . .

1. Block off areas of potential harm such as narrow, dead end paths, storage areas for the herbicides and pesticides, farm equipment that could cause injury.
2. Turn off electricity and gas lines.
3. Protect feed from contamination.
4. Provide a fresh water supply.
5. Horses should be in a pasture over one acre in size.
6. Pasture should be away from areas that could cause debris.

If you can evacuate horses to a safe area, you need to be prepared . . .

1. 1. Make sure your trailers are in good repair
2. 2. Prepare an emergency supply kit to include halters, lead ropes, blankets, shipping boots, food, water, food and water buckets, health records, identification records, first aid kits for humans and animals, grooming supplies & garbage bags.

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First Aid Kit

• Scissors
• Ace bandages
• Sterile gauze bandages
• Tape
• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Sterile sodium chloride
• Topical antibiotic ointment
• Eyewash
• Eyedropper
• Rectal thermometer
• Moist towelettes
• Tongue blades
• Latex gloves
• Tweezers
• Safety pins

Check with your veterinarian for any special medications for your pets. Large animal first aid kits should include medicines necessary in case of injury. Check with your veterinarian for specific medications.

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Emergency Supply Kit

Your emergency supply kit should contain everything you will need for at least one week for each animal.

All Animals

• dry food in original or water proof container
• water in non-breakable containers
• food and water dishes (with a method for cleaning them)
• paper towels, garbage bags, scoopers, newspapers (for cleaning)
• litter and litter box with scooper
• leashes for dogs and harness and leash for cats (for exercise)
• portable pet carriers for cats and small animals; carrier must be large enough for animal to stand up and turn around inside
• pet carrier for dogs if dogs are difficult to manage
• photographs and descriptions of all animals
• health records, veterinarian's name and phone number
• contact person's name and phone number
• instructions on feeding schedules and any special needs
• toys, special blanket, brushes, and combs
• supply of your pet's medicines, such as heartworm preventive, or any daily or weekly medicine
• first aid kit