[CorkyMax]

Be Prepared with a Disaster Plan

The best way to protect your family from the effects
of a disaster is to have a disaster plan. If you are
a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. Being
prepared can save their lives.

Different disasters require different responses. But
whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill,--raging fire,
you may have to evacuate your home.

In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most
important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate
them, too. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a
safe place for them, is likely to result in their being injured,
lost, or worse. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets
may have to leave your home.

1. Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets

Disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of provincial
and states' health and safety regulations and other considerations.
Service animals who assist people with disabilities are the only
animals allowed in shelters. It may be difficult, if not
impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a
disaster, so plan ahead. Do not wait until disaster strikes to
do your research.

Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check
policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size,
and species. Ask if "no pet" policies could be waived in an
emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including
phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies.
If you have notice of an impending disaster, call ahead for
reservations.

Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area
whether they could shelter your animals. If you have more than
one pet, they may be more comfortable if kept together, but be
prepared to house them separately.

Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could
shelter animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.

Ask local animal shelters if they provide emergency shelter or
foster care for pets in a disaster. Animal shelters may be
overburdened caring for the animals they already have as well
as those displaced by a disaster, so this should be your last
resort.

2. Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit

Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you'll need
essential supplies. Keep items in an accessible place and store
them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily (duffle bags,
covered trash containers, etc.). Your pet disaster supplies kit
should include:

Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container)
and a first aid kit.

Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets
safely and ensure that your animals can't escape.

Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.

Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.

Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior
problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case
you have to foster or board your pets.

Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.

3. Know What To Do As a Disaster Approaches

Often, warnings are issued hours, even days, in advance. At
the first hint of disaster, act to protect your pet.

Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and
your pets.

Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take
at a moment's notice.

Bring all pets into the house so that you won't have to search
for them if you have to leave in a hurry.

Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely
fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number
and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of
a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy
temporary tags or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet's
ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

You may not be home when the evacuation order comes. Find out
if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and
meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be
comfortable with your pets, know where your animals are likely
to be, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and
have a key to your home. If you use a petsitting service,
they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility
well in advance.

Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with
your pets quickly and safely. But bear in mind that animals
react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the
car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers.
Don't leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off.
The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape,
or even bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give
your pets time to settle back into their routines.

[CorkyMax]

Adding to the above info:
Have a back up plan and a buddy system. Talk to neighbors about your plan and help them out with theirs and then practice to see if there are any holes in the plan.