Disaster Preparation

How to Prepare

Friends For Life has United Animal Nations and FEMA trained disaster response staff and has conducted rescue missions all along the Gulf Coast. All of us along the Gulf Coast need to be as prepared as we can to face the potentialities of the season.

Please remember in these times that our pets count on us for their safety and their very lives. The better planners we can be the better our chances of shepherding our families safely through these situations. Please take your pets if you evacuate.

Always include your pet in your family's disaster preparations. If you are going to evacuate, take your pet(s) with you.

There are local hotels/motels (many part of chains) that are pet friendly. Take the time to create a list of those options before an emergency.

Take time to talk with family, friend or relatives about possibilities of staying with them and bringing your pets.

If you have needs for emergency care or housing after you evacuate, there are many organizations that offer assistance during disasters. United Animal Nations is one.

United Animal Nations is a nationwide organization that specializes in animal care during disasters. Their website contains useful tips, ways you can get trained to help care for animals (your own and others) during a disaster and depending upon the situation and location in the nation, may have a shelter/clinic set up in your area to assist you directly.

If you stay at home make sure you are attentive to these things:

Identification
Make sure your pet wears a collar and I.D. tag with up-to-date information.  You may also want to consider micro chipping your pet for permanent identification.

Vaccinations
All pets should be current on their shots. Keep a copy of the vaccination records sealed in a plastic bag.

Sleeping Safety
Help your animals avoid shattering glass and falling objects. Don't place your pet's bed below windows or shelving. If it is not safe for you to sleep there, it is not safe for your pet.

A home within a home
Every animal in your house should have a crate - a molded plastic carrying case. Familiarize your pet with the crate before the disaster strikes so that they will be comfortable when it is necessary.

Check loose objects in your yard
Make sure all fencing is secure and all holes and potential escape routes are blocked. If you have animals who stay in the yard, make arrangements to bring them inside the house or garage.

If you evacuate, take your pet! The fact is that pets left behind are rarely found unharmed and rarely returned to their owners.

Pet specific lists
(for more information go to www.uan.org):