We pray and claim everything is always well for you and your pet but we have nothing to lose if we are prepared for any emergency.
With authorities predicting another eruption of Taal volcano, and the 2020 ashfall from its eruption that reached the northern part of Metro Manila, not just areas in the South, it is wise to always have an emergency kit around wherever we are.
Here are some tips from ready.gov/pets
Preparations
Because your pet is a member of your family, any family emergency plan must include him or her.
Ready.gov/pets said we must keep the following in mind:
1. Make a plan.
2. Build an emergency kit.
3. Stay informed.
Make a Plan
You will have less stress, worry and difficulty if you already have a plan for you and your pets for any disaster like flooding, earthquake or ashfall.
Because of such a plan, you can make a decision fast when local officials tell you that you need to evacuate fast. You will not be caught off guard, not knowing where to bring your pet. You can not, of course, leave your pet as he or she may be injured, get lost, or worse, die.
From ready.gov/pets, here are the things that should be in your plan:
Have a list of safe places for your pet when you are all forced to evacuate. Make sure you have a safe place to bring your pet to before disasters and emergencies happen. Most hotels and public shelters do not allow pets.
Put a buddy system in place. Talk to and plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone can care for or evacuate your pets if you can not do so like when you are still in the office.
Put some kind of identification tag on your pet. Ready.gov/pets suggests microchip but I personally will go for a collar with my name (not the dog’s name), and my contact number.
Contact local emergency management office, animal shelters or local veterinary offices to get additional advice and information on how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.
Build an emergency kit
Your pet’s emergency kit should include basics for survival.
“Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh,” ready.gov/ph said.
Food. Put several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
Water. Store a water bowl and water for several days’ supply.
Medicine. Put in an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
First aid kit. Ask the veterinarian for the most appropriate items for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Put a backup leash, collar, ID tag, copies of your pet’s registration information, and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.
Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier. There should be one carrier for each pet.
Grooming items. Shampoo, conditioner and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.
Sanitation needs. Prepare pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
A picture of you and your pet together. This is important during an emergency. The photo will show ownership which you may need if you are separated and the dog or cat is found by a concerned citizen and brought to the shelter.
Familiar items. Put in favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. These familiar items will help reduce stress for your pet.
Tips for Large Animals
Please prepare before a disaster if you have horses, goats or pigs.
Here are additional tips from ready.gov/pets:
“*Ensure all pets/animals have some form of identification.
Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to a barn or turn them loose outside.”
Stay Informed
You must always get updates on current conditions so you can decide and act based on information.
Here are some ways you can stay informed:
Pay attention to local alerts and warnings from public safety officials.
Listen to local officials when you are told to evacuate or move to another safer place
Always bring your pets inside the house at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.