Emergencies and Disaster Game Plan
Below is our emergency information plan for your animals–
What to do in the case of fire, flood or earthquake.
Pet Evacuation
Pets are family. Do not leave your pets behind in a disaster.
You may not be able to get back to your home for several
days or even weeks. Prepare in advance.
Make sure your pet’s ID tag is up to date with accurate
information including a list of veterinarians and medications if required.
Pet Emergency Supplies may include the following:
• sturdy pet carrier
• leash
• food and water for at least three days
• non-spill bowl
• recent photo of you with your pet
• blankets
• paper towels
• leash
• portable litter box and litter. Also clean up bags.
• A first aid kit with basic supplies such as hydrogen peroxide,
Q-tips, tweezers, scissors eye wash (saline) large and small bandages
Remember—be patient with your pets in a disaster. Pets get stressed
just as people do and they need time to readjust.
Pets are often not allowed in shelters so make arrangements now with friends
And relatives outside the canyon who will take your pets in the event of a disaster.
Locally, in Topanga, during a disaster stray animals will be handled and received by the TCEP pet disaster team in conjunction with animal control.
All stray pets will be vaccinated at the owners expense unless proof of vaccination is provided.
So again prepare in advance, secure copies of your pets vaccinations and
make sure they are up to date.
Pet evacuation information
In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, do not leave your animals
behind. Evacuate them to a prearranged safe location if they cannot stay
with you during the evacuation period. (Remember, pets are not allowed
in Red Cross shelters.)
Have a Safe Place To Take Your Pets Contact hotels and motels outside
your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions
on number, size, and species. For a local hotel list, click here.
• Ask friends, relatives, or others outside the affected area whether they
could shelter your animals. If you have more than one pet, they may be
more comfortable if kept together, but be prepared to house them separately.
• Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter
animals in an emergency; include 24-hour phone numbers.
Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely
fastened, up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and
address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend
or relative outside the disaster area. You can buy temporary tags
or put adhesive tape on the back of your pet’s ID tag, adding
information with an indelible pen.
WHAT IF YOU ARE NOT HOME? Find out if a trusted neighbor
would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged
location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, know
where your animals are likely to be, know where your pet disaster
supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home.
Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit. Whether you are
away from home for a day or a week, you’ll need essential supplies.
Keep items in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers
that can be carried easily (duffle bags, covered trash containers, etc.).
Your pet disaster supplies kit should include:
Medications and medical records (stored in a waterproof container)
and a first aid kit.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely
and ensure that your animals can’t escape.
• Current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food, potable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and can opener.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior
problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case
have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable
REMEMBER! Animals react differently under stress. Outside your
home and in the car, keep dogs securely leashed. Transport cats in
carriers. Don’t leave animals unattended anywhere they can run off.
The most trustworthy pets may panic, hide, try to escape, or even
bite or scratch. And, when you return home, give your pets time to
settle back into their routines.
For more information on pets and disaster,
first aid and farm animal preparedeness contact:
Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness
www.t-cep.org
Humane Society of the United States
www.hsus.org
American Veterinary Medical Association
www.avma.org
Pet-friendly hotels
(as of 09/30/11)