Department of Public Safety
Pet Information
Before the disaster...
When planning for your family to be safe and prepared for disasters, do not forget to include your pets in your planning. Remember your pets when assembling your disaster preparedness kit. See list of contents for a Pet Disaster Kit.
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During the disaster...
Some say pets can anticipate an earthquake, hurricane, and/or tornado. There is no way to know how your pet will react.
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After the disaster
During and immediately after the disaster, pets just like humans, experience a great deal of trauma, confusion and anxiety. In this state, your pet can become aggressive. Use caution when approaching your pet and comfort her/him after the disaster. Check your pet for injuries. Keep your pet confined in your yard or better yet, with you in your home or wherever you may be staying.
Listen to local emergency broadcast radio stations for information on emergency shelters and holding areas for all your pets, including livestock and farm animals.
Check with your local Animal Care Center, it may be housing pets during and after a disaster. It will also be able to tell you of any diseases that may be spreading as a result of the disaster as well as preventative measures you should take for your pet.
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Pet disaster kit...
It is recommended that you stock up on the following, enough for a minimum of 72 hours for your pet:
Pet Food (remember livestock, and farm animals) | Bottled Water |
Manual Can Opener | Bowls, Water Pails |
Clean-up supplies, i.e. plastic bags and disinfectant, pooper scooper | Flea/Tick Spray |
Extra Brush, Collar, Top | Blanket |
If your pet requires special medication, be sure you have an ample supply | Keep your pets vaccinations up to date and keep a license tag and identification tag on her/him at all times |
Pet First Aid Kit Including Hydrogen Peroxide (for cuts, wounds and poisonings) Butadiene Solution (non-stinging iodine for wounds) Neosporin Ointment (antibiotic for burns and scrapes) |
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EMA Home | Pet Concerns |