When Disaster Strikes…
Nobody wants to entertain the idea that they will live long enough to see a catastrophe so severe that it would wipe out their houses and force them to start over in a new area.
The United States Federal Emergency Management Agency recorded 52 different natural disasters in the year 2006. This does not cover calamities that are not caused by nature, such as fires that occur in homes. Any one of us may be the victim of a catastrophe at any given moment.
When a crisis strikes, you won’t have much time to be ready since the vast majority of them are sudden and unexpected. The most frequent error that individuals make during a crisis is failing to make prior preparations for the evacuation of their pets and “not leaving” when the first order to do so is given.
The following are some procedures that will help you prepare ahead for the safety of your pets so that you will be able to evacuate your home in an expedient manner in the case of an emergency:
- Put together a survival pack for your cat that has everything it will need to stay alive for up to three days in the event that you are unable to provide it with any help. You may create your own version of these kits, or you can purchase them in shops or buy them online. Either way, you have the option. Ensure that your kit has enough food to last for at least three days and that it is stored in an airtight container. In the event that you need to encourage your cat out of hiding spots, it is best if you carry their preferred treat with you. A minimum of three days’ worth of water should be provided for each of the cats. Medicine: ensuring that you have enough medication for your cat to last for at least three days’ supply is extremely crucial. An Antibiotic Ointment, Scissors, Alcohol, and a Pet First Aid Reference Book Should Be Included in Your Cat’s First Aid Kit Bandages and medical tape should also be included in your cat’s first aid kit.
- Conduct research on nearby hotels and shelters to determine whether or not they will allow pets in the event of a crisis. It is important to keep in mind that Red Cross Disaster Shelters do not permit the presence of animals for reasons related to health and safety. You may also want to think about fleeing to the home of a friend or family as an additional option.
- Demonstrate that you own the cat by taking a photo of yourself with it. This will come in handy in the event that the calamity causes you to get separated from one another.
- Locate a person in your community who can serve as a contact in case of an emergency and take care of your cat in your absence, whether you are out of town or at work when the incident takes place. Check to see that the individual is aware of the placement of your emergency kit.
- Ensure that all of the cats have collars with identification tags and that the information on the tags is up to date. During a crisis, it is common for animals to get separated from their owners; having the correct identification for your pet will help you find one other again. The use of microchips is also recommended given the possibility of collars going missing.
- Take your kitties with you at all times. This is the most crucial step. Not only does the act of separating animals from their owners, who are already under a great deal of stress, cause the animals more discomfort, but it also lowers the animals’ chances of surviving when they are left to fend for themselves. You represent your cat’s greatest chance of surviving an emergency in a safe and sound manner.
