When Disaster Strikes – Part 3 Staying Home
Staying Safe at Home with Your Pets During a Disaster
When disaster strikes, our first instinct is to protect our loved ones, including our pets. Just like humans, pets are vulnerable during emergencies, and their safety should be a priority.
If you decide to stay home with your pets during a disaster, you will want to ensure their safety and well-being. Here’s how you can make your home as safe as possible for your furry friends
Key Takeaways
Eliminate unsafe nooks and crannies
Move dangerous items
Bring your pets inside at the first sign of danger
Set up a “safe room”
Listen to the radio and social media
Eliminate Unsafe Nooks and Crannies
Pets, especially cats, love to hide in small, dark spaces when they are frightened. In a disaster, these nooks and crannies can become deadly traps. Take time to secure or block off these areas.
Make sure that crawl spaces, under furniture, and behind appliances are inaccessible to your pets. This can prevent them from becoming stuck or injured during the chaos of a disaster.
Move Dangerous Items
During a disaster, items can be knocked over or become projectiles, posing a risk to both you and your pets. Go through your home and secure or move dangerous items. This includes heavy objects, sharp tools, and hazardous materials like cleaning supplies and chemicals.
Make sure these items are stored securely and out of reach. Additionally, ensure that electrical cords are out of the way to prevent your pets from chewing on them and causing a potential fire hazard.
Bring Your Pets Inside at the First Sign of Danger
Pets left outside during a disaster are at a high risk of injury or death. At the first indication of a disaster, bring your pets indoors. This includes extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms.
If you have outdoor pets, create a plan to bring them inside quickly and efficiently. Having carriers or leashes ready can help you move them swiftly and safely.
Set Up a “Safe Room”
Designate a “safe room” in your home where you and your pets can stay during the disaster. This room should be free of hazards and stocked with essential supplies. Here’s what to include:
- Food and Water: Keep enough pet food and water to last at least a week. Include bowls and a can opener if necessary.
- Medications: If your pet requires medication, ensure you have an adequate supply.
- Comfort Items: Bring blankets, beds, and toys to keep your pets comfortable.
- Litter Box: For cats, have a litter box and extra litter in the room.
- First Aid Kit: Include pet-specific first aid supplies.
Make sure the room is secure and that windows and doors are closed and locked to prevent pets from escaping or being injured by debris.
Listen to the Radio and Social Media
Staying informed is paramount during a disaster. Listen to the radio and monitor social media for updates and instructions from authorities. This will help you stay aware of the situation and know when it’s safe to come out of your safe room or if you need to evacuate.
Many local and national agencies provide real-time updates and tips for staying safe during emergencies. Keep a battery-powered radio and a phone charger in your safe room to ensure you can stay connected.
Additional Tips
Kate, I am so thankful you are addressing the needs of our pets during disasters. We do first think of ourselves, but those of us with pets sometimes are frowned upon for putting our furry friends first.
Thanks for the information and inspiration-I look forward to your next post!
Kate, what a perfect and complete inventory of preparation needs! One way to eliminate crouching space under furniture is to get couches and chairs that go completely to the floor. Super list. The Red Cross and such agencies might like to have your list for distribution.