Emergency Preparedness Kit: Pet Edition – Score Your Free Pet Emergency Kit June 14th! – If you’ve been staying proactive by prepping for emergencies, you may have everything you need within a moment’s notice to respond to emergency situations. Have you remembered to include your pet and their belongings as well? Test your pet emergency preparedness knowledge and find out where to get your free pet emergency kit right here on Newsymom!
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
Tuscarawas County pet parents: we all love our furry friends, don’t we? They bring so much joy, companionship, and laughter into our lives and are truly members of our families. That’s why it’s essential to include them in our emergency preparedness plans. In times of crisis, our pets rely on us to keep them safe and secure. Let’s talk about the importance of emergency preparedness for our beloved pets.
First things first, emergencies can strike unexpectedly. It could be a severe storm, a fire, or even a natural disaster. In these chaotic situations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But taking a moment now to think about our pets can make a huge difference. Just imagine the panic and fear they would experience if left unprepared. By including our pets in our emergency plans, we can provide them with the care and protection they need.
First Step: Create an Emergency Kit
One of the essential steps in preparing for emergencies is creating a pet-specific emergency kit. This kit should include items such as food, water, medications, a leash, a carrier, and any necessary documents (like vaccination records and identification tags). Having these supplies readily available can save valuable time and ensure your pet’s comfort during an evacuation or shelter-in-place situation.
Next Step: Make Sure To ID Your Pets
Speaking of identification, it’s crucial to make sure your pets are properly identified at all times. Ensure they wear collars with up-to-date identification tags containing your contact information. Additionally, consider microchipping your pets. Microchips are tiny devices implanted under the skin that contain your contact information. If your pet gets lost during an emergency, microchipping significantly increases the chances of a happy reunion.
When You Need to Evacuate
Now, let’s talk about evacuation plans. When disaster strikes, you may be required to evacuate your home quickly. It’s important to know in advance which pet-friendly shelters or hotels in Tuscarawas County will accept pets. Many shelters have limited space and may have specific requirements for pets, such as vaccination records or crates. So, do your research and be prepared to act swiftly to ensure the safety of your pets.
In case you need to stay in your home during an emergency, create a safe space for your pets. Choose a room or an area away from windows, with no hazardous materials, where you can safely confine your pets if necessary. This will help prevent them from getting injured or escaping if the situation becomes chaotic.
Stay Alerted on News!
Lastly, remember to keep yourself informed about potential hazards in Tuscarawas County. Stay updated on local emergency alerts and know the types of emergencies that could occur in your area. This information will help you better prepare for potential threats and take appropriate actions to protect your pets. You can stay tuned via the radio, news broadcast channels, your cell phone’s alert system, or even follow along at the Tuscarawas County Health Department’s Facebook page (@tchdnow) where they update you with the latest threats to health and safety!
When Disaster Strikes, Remember Your Pets!
As responsible pet owners, it’s our duty to care for our four-legged family members in every situation, including emergencies. By preparing for the unexpected, we can ensure their well-being and give ourselves peace of mind. Remember, our pets rely on us for their safety and security. Let’s be proactive and make emergency preparedness a priority for our furry friends in Tuscarawas County.
So, gather those emergency supplies, make those evacuation plans, and stay informed. Your pets will thank you, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re ready to protect your furry family members no matter what comes your way.
Join the Tuscarawas County Health Department for their Emergency Preparedness Pet Kit Pick-Up Event on June 14th, 2023 from 4pm-6pm at 897 East Iron Ave. in Dover to get started on your journey to better emergency preparedness. TCHD offers SO much more to keep your whole family safe! Check them out online at www.tchdnow.org.
Melissa Klatt
Reporting
