Below are some suggested check lists to help you prepare for an evacuation. Sit down with your family and go through these lists. Make sure everyone knows what they are supposed to do and where they are supposed to go. Remember that in the event of a real emergency, the time you spend in preparation is invaluable and can save you precious minutes.
Create a family disaster plan to include any major emergency that may occur and make a list of things to do and take in the event of an evacuation.
Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen and explain what each family member should do in that situation.
Have all emergency phone numbers posted in a good location in your home including the phone numbers of your neighbors.
If you see a fire approaching your home call 911.
Create an evacuation plan for your home and practice this plan every six months. Conduct emergency drills with your family.
Pick two places to meet: 1. Right outside the home. 2. Outside the neighborhood if you can't remain near your home.
Know all escape routes in your neighborhood and discuss them with your family.
Discuss what to do in an evacuation with your pets and livestock.
Be prepared at all times with a three-day supply of food (that does not need refrigeration or cooking), a three-day supply of water, portable radio, flashlight with extra batteries, lanterns, first aid supplies.
Keep your car parked facing the direction of your escape with windows closed, doors unlocked. Have emergency supplies in your car before the evacuation order is issued.
Leave a light on in your home and outside, close all windows, doors, chimney flues, close heavy drapes and blinds, remove all flimsy curtains and any furniture away from windows
If time permits: place a ladder next to your home for firefighters, turn off gas or propane, fill tubs and sinks with water and put towels in each for firefighters use, place garbage cans on deck and fill with water, put ladders and garden hose outside so firefighters can use them.
Tell someone you are evacuating and post where you are going with a phone number (if possible) on the front of your house.
Take enough clothes for several days, eyeglasses, dentures, things you can't not easily replace i.e. photos, mementos, recipes, prescription drugs, insurance papers, checkbook, money, credit cards, deeds and titles.
If you are trapped by fire while evacuating in your car, park in an area clear of vegetation, close all vehicle windows and vents, cover yourself with a jacket and lie on the floor.
. If you and your family are trapped by fire while evacuating on foot (stay together), select an area clear of vegetation along a road, or lie in the road ditch. Cover any exposed skin with a jacket or blanket. Avoid canyons that can concentrate and channel fire.
Register your evacuation location with the emergency shelter in the area. This is a suggested preparation list and should be tailored to your families needs. Consult your local fire department or the CA Department of Forestry for additional tips in surviving a wildland fire or disaster.
With a little advance planning, you can save your Pet's life in a disaster.
Before
Plan Ahead. In the event of an evacuation, pets may not be allowed inside human emergency shelters. Determine the best place to leave your pet in case of a disaster. Identify an off-site location as well as a place in your home. ID and photographs. Dogs and cats should always wear properly fitting collars, personal identification, rabies, and license tags. Make sure all the information on the tags is current. Keep a current photo of each pet. Make sure any distinguishing markings are visible. You will need proof of ownership to retrieve your pet from a shelter. Disaster Kit Maintain a disaster preparedness supply kit for each of your pets. Paperwork and Records. Store important animal documents in a ziplock or waterproof plastic bag. These should include vaccination and medical records. Vaccinations Your pets need to be current on vaccinations. You will be required to show proof of vaccination if you need to board your pet. Transportation. Each animal should have their own pet carrier. Familiarize your pet with the carrier or cage before an emergency. Leashes and Collars. Keep a leash handy for each dog and cat in your home. Consider using a harness. Buddy System. In case you are not home when disaster strikes, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals. Exchange veterinary information and file a permission slip with your veterinarian authorizing them to get emergency treatment for your pet if you can't be located.
During
If You Take Your Pet With You
Evacuate your pet early, if possible.Take your disaster preparedness kit, including the pet's vaccination and medical records, as well as identification photographs with you.
If You Can't Take Your Pet With You.
Bring your pet indoors. Do not leave pets chained outdoors. Prepare a preselected site indoors for your pet. Use a room with no windows but adequate ventilation, such as a utility room, garage, bathroom, or other area that can be easily cleaned. Do not tie them up. Leave only dry foods and fresh water in non-spill containers. If possible, open a faucet to let water drip into a large container or partially fill a bathtub with water.
Do not leave vitamin treats, which could be fatal if over-eaten. House cats and dogs separately, even if they normally get along.
What about pets other than dogs and cats?
Disaster Preparedness for Bird and Reptile Owners
Small mammals, or pocket pets, should be transported in carriers suitable for maintaining the animals while sheltered. Remember to take bedding materials. Keep animals in a quiet, safe place.
After
Pet behavior may change after an emergency. Monitor your pets closely and keep them leashed. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered, causing confusion and abnormal behavior.
Be aware of downed power lines, fallen trees, debris, and local wildlife. If you find a pet, call animal control or any emergency phone numbers set up after the disaster. Isolate it from your animals until it is returned to its owner, or can be examined by a veterinarian.
If You've Lost Your Pet:
Visit each shelter in your area at least once every other day. You must check the shelter in person; you are the only person who can truly identify your animal. Keep a current photo of your pet showing or describing any distinctive markings.
Create a flyer with your pet's photo and description, pet's name, your name and phone numbers where you can be reached.
When you do find your pet, immediately examine it for illness or injuries. Obtain medical attention from your veterinarian if needed. Use caution when handling animals. Panicky or injured animals may bite.
Disaster Preparedness Kit
Pet carrier or cage for each pet
Two week supply of food and water
Non-spill food and water bowls
Medications and dosing instructions
Pet first-aid kit
Vaccination and medical records
Your veterinarian's information
Cat litter box and litter
Newspaper
Plastic bags for waste disposal
Paper towels
Disinfectants
Leash and collar/harness
Blankets
Toys and treats
Be sure to provide your pets with as many amenities as possible.Remember, they are counting on you for their survival and support!
Plan Ahead. Determine the best place for animal confinement in case of a disaster. Find alternate water sources in case power is lost and pumps are not working or have a hand pump installed. You should have a minimum of three days feed and water on hand.
Evacuation. Decide where to take your horses if evacuation is necessary. Contact fairgrounds, equestrian centers, and private farms/stables about their policies and ability to take horses temporarily in an emergency. Have several sites in mind. Familiarize yourself with several evacuation routes to your destination.
Identification. This is critical! Photograph, identify, and inventory your horses. Permanent identification such as tattoos, brands, etched hooves or microchips are best. Temporary identification, such as tags on halters, neck bands, and duct tape with permanent writing will also work. Include your name and phone number. Keep identification information with you to verify ownership. (Breed registration papers may already have this information.)
Medical Records and Vaccinations. Your horses need to have current vaccinations. Keep medical histories and record special dosing instructions, allergies, and dietary requirements. Write down contact information for your veterinarian.
Vehicles. Keep trailers and vans well-maintained, full of gas, and ready to move at all times. Be sure your animals will load. If you don=t have your own vehicles, make arrangements with local companies or neighbors before disaster strikes.
Fire Preparation. In high risk areas, clear fire breaks around your house, barns, and property lines. Keep fire fighting tools in one location.
Flood Preparation. Identify available high ground on your property or other nearby evacuation sites. Be familiar with road availability during flood conditions.
During
Listen to the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) on the TV or radio.
Evacuate your horses early, if possible, to ensure their safety and ease your stress.
Take all vaccination and medical records, the Emergency disaster kit, and enough hay and water for three days. Call your destination to make sure the site is still available. Use roads not in use for human evacuation when you transport your horses to the sheltering site.
If you must leave your animals, leave them in the preselected area appropriate for disaster type. Leave enough hay for 48 to 72 hours. Do not rely on automatic watering systems. Power may be lost. The leading causes of death in large animals during disaster are:
Collapsed barns
Kidney failure due to dehydration
Electrocution from downed power lines
Fencing failures
After
Check fences to be sure they are intact. Check pastures and fences for sharp objects that could injure horses. Be aware of downed power lines, fallen trees, and debris.
Beware of local wildlife that may have entered the area and could pose a danger.
Familiar scents and landmarks may have changed, and animals can easily become confused and lost.
If you find someone else=s animal, isolate it from your animals until it is returned to its owner or can be examined by a veterinarian.
Always use caution when approaching and handling strange or frightened horses. Work in pairs.
If you've lost an animal, contact veterinarians, humane societies, stables, surrounding farms, and other facilities. Listen to the EBS for groups that may be accepting lost animals.
Check with your veterinarian and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health Branch for information about possible disease outbreaks.
Disaster Preparedness Kit
Portable radio and extra batteries
Plastic trash barrel with a lid
Water buckets
Stored feeds
Non-nylon leads, halters, and shanks
Leg wraps
Horse blanket or sheet
First Aid items
Tarps
Portable generators
. Flashlights
Shovel
Lime or bleach
Fly spray
Wire cutters
Sharp knife
Hoof Pick
Emergency Contact Information
You will need to have your emergency contact information in one easily accessible place. This information is different in every county. By filling in the information below, you will be prepared to reach the key animal disaster resources in your county.
Note down the phone number in your county for the following:
Office of Emergency Services County Animal Coordinator
County Animal Control
CA Veterinary Medical Assn. County Disaster Coordinator (Call (916) 344-4985 for your county's contact information)
County Agricultural Commissioner
Your Veterinarian
Potential Evacuation Sites
Developed by the State of California, Department of Food and Agriculture, Animal Health and Food Safety Services, Animal Health Branch, Animal Care Program, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, (916) 654-1447.
Plan Ahead. In the event of an evacuation, pets may not be allowed inside human emergency shelters. Determine the best place to leave your pet in case of a disaster. Identify an off-site location as well as a place in your home.
