Pet Health Insurance - Disaster Preparedness Tips

Accidents and disasters do happen. Timely planning, however, can help minimize the tragedy, result in a more efficient and coordinated response, and save the lives of your beloved companions.

The following points could be part of your emergency plan:

Setup an appointment to talk to your veterinarian about planning for your animals during disasters.
Assemble an animal evacuation kit and first aid kit.
Familiarize yourself with each type of disaster that your area could be affected by, including a hazardous materials spill.
Develop an evacuation plan for all of your animals.
Prearrange (an) evacuation site(s) for your family and your animals.
Keep written directions to your home near your telephone. This will help you tell emergency responders how to get to your home if you are in a state of panic and in need of rescue, or if a person unfamiliar with your area is the only person in your home during a disaster.
Identify alternate sources of food and water. Some local food and water sources may be disrupted or contaminated for extended periods of time following a disaster.
Have backup generators for use in food-animal production operations.
Keep all vehicles well maintained and full of gas.
Keep emergency cash on hand.

Prepare a list of important emergency contacts before a disaster strikes. Keep one copy near your telephone and one copy in your animal evacuation kit:

Numbers where you may be reached (pager, cell phone, work phone)
Your prearranged evacuation site
Local contact person in case of emergency when you are not available
Out-of-state contact person in case the disaster is far reaching in your locale
Your veterinarian
Alternate veterinarian (30-90 miles away, provides boarding)
Boarding facility (local)
Boarding facility (30-90 miles away)
Hotels that allow pets (90 mile radius)
Local Animal Control
Local Police Department
Local Fire Department
Local Public Health Department
Local Animal Shelter
Local Red Cross Chapter
Local Humane Society
Local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
United States Department of Agriculture Missing Pet Network

Source: American Veterinary Medical Association, Saving the Whole Family

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