Earthquake Preparedness Tips for Pets
Living in California, an area prone to earthquakes, means you may constantly know that lingering feeling that the “big one” could happen at any time with little to no warning. While you may know what to do when an earthquake hits, what about your pets? The best course of action is to have a plan in place to protect your pet when the time arises. Here are a few useful tips to help.
Pack the essentials
Having an emergency kit with essentials is necessary when planning for any emergency situation, especially for your pets. Your pet emergency kit should include:
- Ample food
- Water
- Bowls
- Medications
- Their bed
- Blankets
- Carrier
- Litter box, litter, disinfectant
- Their favorite toy
- First aid kit
- Collar and leash
- Medical records
Ideally, store this kit in an easy-to-reach location so that you can grab it as soon as an earthquake strikes.
Drop, cover, and hold on
Avoid trying to restrain your pet during an earthquake. He or she may be very frightened and may scratch if they feel threatened. If you are outside walking your dog when an earthquake strikes, drop to the ground and crawl to an open area away from trees, power lines, and buildings. Hold onto the leash as best you can but be aware your pet may be incredibly scared. If you are home when an earthquake starts, let your animal find a safe place to hide. You can attempt to put him or her into a crate or carrier for their own safety. Keep outdoor pets inside until the aftershocks have subsided.
Know where to go
If you are evacuated to a community or Red Cross shelter, be aware that they do not accept pets. Usually, an area is set aside for pets, but you will have to secure each animal. Before any disaster strikes, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with hotels, shelters, and rescues that will accept pets.
We hope that these tips help you and your pet stay safe. When you’re looking for more ways on how to stay safe and be prepared for the unexpected, the team at Hoffman Brown Company can help. For tailored insurance solutions, contact us today.
