Get Prepared – CT State Animal Response Team

How do I prepare for a disaster?

Make a kit for yourself, your family, and each of your pets. Start today. No, seriously. Today. Add a couple items a week if you have to. Make it a competition in your neighborhood if you must. In times of evacuation, you may have fifteen minutes to grab what you need and leave. The internet will likely be down, cell towers may be overloaded or locked for emergency personnel. Keep cash on hand because stores and hotels may not be accepting credit cards. Keep your car at least half full of gas at all times. Expect to be gone, or without power or resources for at least three days. CTSART recommends an airline grade kennel large enough for the pet to be able to turn around in. Designate an out-of-the-area contact in case family members are separated. There is a comprehensive list of suggested supplies as well as other great information at FEMA. We would also add to bring items of entertainment such as toys for your pets. It will be stressful for them as well, and a touch of home can help relieve anxiety. With livestock, have a plan to load up your livestock. Practice it so you can get as much of your herd within fifteen minutes. If your herd is too large to transport and you live in a flood-prone area, build an earthen berm high enough to provide the animals high ground to which they can retreat.

When do I set my animals loose during a disaster?

Domesticated animals are not capable of helping themselves when set loose. They cannot make decisions necessary for survival, and are in more danger being set loose than if you take them with you. In the case of livestock you must leave behind, use a cattle marker or spray paint to write a contact phone number on the side of the animal.

Before a disaster strikes, each household should developed a plan that will include all of their pets. To ensure the plan is functional, it must be practiced before a disaster occurs. Every 3 months, the plan should be reexamined and updated and changes made known to the entire family. Below are items that should be included in a family and animal evacuation go kit.

FAMILY GO KIT:

Flashlight and plenty of extra batteries or emergency crank
Rechargable battery lights
Portable, battery-operated (and extra battereis) or emergency radio
First-aid kit and manual
Supply of nonperishable food and water for 72 hours
Manual can/bottle opener and spoon
Essential medications
Cash and credit cards
Important family documents and veterinary records
Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear for each family member
Animal evacuation kit

SMALL ANIMAL EVACUATION KIT

Provide an emergency contact list that includes your personal information and contact information of the neighbor(s) and your veterinarian
Two-week supply of food ( dry and/or canned)
Manual can opener
Spill proof food and water dishes
Two-week supply of water in large plastic jugs with secure lids
Feeding instructions for each animal. Include foods to avoid in the event of individual animal allergies.
Provide copies of veterinary records and proof of ownership (registration papers, rabies tag, certificates, digital or color photographs, etc)
Pet First Aid Kit
Pet medications. List each animal separately and include the name of the drug, dosage ad frequency of administration. For drugs requiring special handling (i.e. refrigeration), indicate where the drug is located so the rescuer may easily access the medication
Cage/carrier for each animal. Each should be labeled with the pets information as well as your contact information
Familiar items to make the pets feel more comfortable
Newspaper for bedding
Paper towels
Heavy duty trash bags
Leash and collar or harness for each animal
Litter, litter pan, litter scoop
Muzzles (canine and feline)
Stakes or tie-outs.

CT State Animal Response Team

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How do I prepare for a disaster?

When do I set my animals loose during a disaster?

FAMILY GO KIT:

SMALL ANIMAL EVACUATION KIT