Weather in the Sierra Foothills Can Be Unpredictable. Stay prepared with These Essential Tips as We Head Into Spring
As we approach spring — often a time of unexpected snowstorms or early wildfires — now is the perfect time to take a few precautionary steps to ensure that both you and your pets are well-prepared for whatever nature has in store.
Here’s a checklist to help you disaster-proof your pets, ensuring they stay safe, comfortable, and cared for during an emergency.
1. Build an Emergency Kit for Your Pet
Having an emergency kit for your pet can be a lifesaver when disaster strikes. Make sure your pet’s kit is pre-packed, easily accessible and contains the following:
- Sturdy Carrier, Leash, and Harness: A well-made carrier will keep your pet safe in the event of an evacuation. Don’t forget to pack the leash and harness to help manage your pet’s transport.
- Food and Water: Pack enough pet food and water to last at least three days. If you’re storing canned food, don’t forget a manual can opener.
- Medications and Medical Records: If your pet is on medication, have it readily available. It’s also a good idea to have copies of their medical records in case you need to visit a new vet in an emergency.
- First-Aid Kit: A basic pet first-aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and other essentials for minor injuries.
- Comfort Items: Bring along your pet’s familiar toys, bedding, or treats to help reduce their stress during a difficult time.
- Photo of You and Your Pet: In case of separation, having a recent photo will help reunite you with your pet.
2. Keep Your Pet’s Information Updated
If you’re evacuating or separated from your pet, up-to-date information can make all the difference in getting them back.
- Microchip: Make sure your pet is microchipped and that the information on file is current. Microchips are a safe and reliable way to track pets in the event of an emergency.
- Contact Information: Keep your address and phone number up to date with the microchip registry. You should also list a contact person outside of your area who can help facilitate communication if local networks are down.
- Registration and Documentation: Keep copies of your pet’s registration and any other important documents, such as vaccination records, in a waterproof container in case you need to access it quickly.
3. Take Action During a Disaster
Disaster-proofing your pet isn’t just about packing a bag or having a plan — it’s also about anticipating potential risks and ensuring that your pet’s physical and emotional well-being are taken into account during stressful situations.
Here’s a handy printable checklist to help you disaster-proof your pet:
Emergency kit
🔲 Sturdy carrier, leash, and harness
🔲 Food, water, and a manual can opener
🔲 Pet medications and copies of medical records
🔲 A first-aid kit
🔲 Familiar toys, bedding, or treats
🔲 A picture of you and your pet
Evacuation plan
🔲 Familiarize yourself with local exit routes
🔲 Know a safe place to take your pet
🔲 Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends, or relatives
🔲 Arrange vehicles and trailers for transporting your pet
Pet information
🔲 Keep your pet microchipped
🔲 Keep your address and phone number up to date
🔲 Include contact information for an out-of-area emergency contact
🔲 Keep copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container
During a disaster
🔲 If you must evacuate, leave your pet secured in a carrier or crate
🔲 Know your exit routes
🔲 Consider keeping extra fuel on hand if you know a storm is heading our way