Family & Cat Disaster Plan

There is a free site that helps you create a Family & Cat Disaster Plan.

Here are the first steps in preparing your family pets and cats in the event of a disaster. By planning ahead we can help save lives, property, and reduce the time it takes for our communities to recover, and save your cats

After a disaster, emergency workers may not be able to reach everyone right away. In some cases it may take 3 or more days for help to arrive. Your family and cat disaster plan is the guide that will help to prepare your family to endure these difficult times.

You can create a FREE disaster plan by going to Florida Disaster. Even though you may not live in Florida 98% of what this free disaster preparedness site offers will work for you and your cats by allowing you to creat a customized Family Disaster Plan, including disaster planning for your pets. It will help you prepare for future disasters by providing useful planning tips, suggestions, and checklists.

My Pets - Family & Cat Disaster Plan

All pet owners should make arrangements for their pets if they plan to evacuate. Remember, many disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety regulations, so be sure to contact your local shelter to find out about their pet policies. Service animals for people with disabilities are an exception. For shelters that allow pets, you must provide proof of updated license and vaccinations. Do not wait to have your pet vaccinated, since many vaccinations can take 3-4 days to take affect and may not be acceptable by disaster shelters if performed at the last minute. All pets must also be in an "airline approved" pet carrier.

If you can't take your pets with you, make arrangements ahead of time with a clinic or kennel to care for your pet. These arrangements should be made well in advance because available spaces can fill up quickly during times of disaster.

Here are important items to have for your pet in the event of a disaster:

Pet Disaster Supply List Check List

* Vaccination papers - Be sure your vet includes vaccinations for Kennel Cough, Parvo, and Distemper
* Leash
* Collar with Pet's Identification Tag
* Pet food and water
* Food and Water Bowl
* Medications
* Name and contact information of you're pet's veterinarian.
* Recent Picture of Pet
* "Airline Approved" Pet Carrier - (Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand up, sit, and turn around)
* Cat Litter and Pan for your cats

Never leave your pets at your home if you choose to evacuate. Remember, "If it is too dangerous for you, it is too dangerous for your pets."

Meet with your family and discuss your Family Disaster Plan, including your designated Meeting and Check-in locations after a disaster

Create a Disaster Supply Kit with the following:

* Battery-powered radio or television
* Flashlight(s)
* Extra batteries for radio, television, and flashlights
* First Aid Kit and first aid manual (see First Aid section of your plan)
* 3 changes of clothing and sturdy pairs of shoes (one for each person in your plan)
* 3 Pillows and 3 blankets/sleeping bags (one for each person in your plan)
* Feminine supplies
* Fire extinguisher
* Manual can opener
* Disinfectant
* Household bleach
* Credit card and cash
* Personal identification
* An extra set of car keys
* Matches or lighter in a waterproof container
* Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities (household gas and water)
* Whistle or signal flare to signal for help
* Map of your local area

Disaster Preparedness Checklist
* Get Cash (without power, credit cards are unusable. Get small bills - $5,10,20's)
* Locate gas and water shut off valves
* Take pictures or home videos of your home contents for insurance purposes
* Fill up the gas tank in your vehicle
* Make copies of important documents and keep them in a waterproof container:
* Insurance documents (home insurance and health insurance)
* Birth certificates
* Marriage certificates
* Social security cards
* Bank account numbers
* Tax returns for previous 2 years
* Listen to emergency announcements and follow their directions

Checklist for Pets

Contact your local emergency shelter to find out if they accept pets
(If not, make separate arrangements to shelter your pet)

Have pets vaccinated and checked as required by your local shelter


Checklist of Things to Do AFTER a Disaster Event

If you evacuated the area, listen for the local authorities to announce the "ALL CLEAR" letting you know it is safe to return home

Check for damage in your home - Use flashlights-do not light matches, candles, or turn on electrical switches in case of a gas leak

Contact your insurance provider to report any damages

Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and other flammable liquids immediately

Call your Out of Town Contact and other family members to let them know you are OK

Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons

Repair or block off access to anything in your home that is damaged and could cause injuries

Stay away from downed power lines

Checklist for Pets

Confine or secure your pets during the clean up period after a disaster - your pet could come into contact with spilled chemicals or dangerous debris which would cause them harm or even death

Walk pets on a leash until they become re-oriented to their home - often familiar scents and land marks may be altered and pets could easily be confused and become lost

If pets cannot be found after a disaster, contact the local animal control office to find out where lost animals can be recovered. Be sure to bring along a picture of your pet if possible.

Pet disaster planning