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It is important to be prepared BEFORE a disaster strikes!

You can't prevent disasters or accidents, but you can be prepared if they strike. Remember, if it's not safe for you, it's not safe for your pets.

Do yourself and those you love a favor. PREPARE NOW so you'll be ready when you find yourself, your family, and your pets in an emergency situation. Time saved by preparing now is critical -- it may very well save lives.

72 Hour Emergency Kit for Pets

If you are asked to evacuate in an emergency situation, have a 72-hour pet emergency kit ready to go along with the rest of your family's emergency supplies. Your pet kit should include:

• Always have a collar with ID tag, city license tag and rabies tag on your pet (even with a pet ID chip)
• If your pet has an ID chip, make sure you keep those records up to date with the registry center (or your veterinarian)
• Keep proof of current shots and health records in a waterproof container such as a freezer bag
• Current photo of pet
• Enough food and water for three days (remember to keep the food in a watertight container)
• Food and water bowls for feeding
• Pet carrier or crate with bedding/blanket
• Plastic bags to dispose of pet droppings and other waste
• Leash
• Medications
• Toys
• Manual can opener for canned food
• First-Aid kit
• Grooming supplies
• Paper towels/wet wipes
• Cat litter and litter box
• Water spray bottle in warmer climates to keep you and your pet cool (especially for pet birds and reptiles)

Pet Food Shelf Life Info

• Dry Bagged Pet Food -- About 1 to 1-1/2 years
  Note: If you store dry pet food in a container other than its original bag, be sure to wash the empty container with soap and water before adding food from a new bag. The residual fat that settles on the bottom of the container can become rancid beyond its shelf life (the date stamped on the bag). This spoiled fat may contaminate the fresh food added to the container, causing vomiting or diarrhea when fed to your pet.
• Canned Pet Food -- 2 years
• Vacuum-Sealed Pet Food -- 5 years

Pet Disaster Preparedness Resources

• Ready America (www.Ready.gov)
• ASPCA (www.ASPCA.org)
• American Veterinary Medical Association (www.AVMA.org)
• Emergency Animal Rescue Service  (www.UAN.org)

This tip was submitted by Janet Nelson.

A Note from Janet: As pet owners, we are responsible for those who we take under our care...I always encourage others to remember the pets when planning for the unexpected.

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