Include Pets in Your Plan
Pets are family. Include them in your emergency planning before disaster strikes.
🐕 Planning Basics
- Know where pets hide when scared (under beds, closets)
- Keep leashes/carriers near exit doors
- Practice evacuating with pets
- Identify pet-friendly shelters and hotels
- Arrange backup care with friend/neighbor
- Microchip pets and keep info current
Pet Emergency Kit
🐕 Pet Go-Bag Contents
- 3-7 days of food in waterproof container
- Water and bowl
- Medications (2 week supply)
- Vaccination records and medical info
- Recent photo of pet (for lost pet flyers)
- Leash, harness, carrier
- Litter and litter box (cats)
- Comfort items (toy, blanket)
- Pet first aid supplies
Rescue Alert Stickers
Window stickers alert firefighters to pets inside your home.
🐕 Sticker Guidelines
- Place on front window or door
- Include number and types of pets
- Update if pet count changes
- Free stickers available from ASPCA and local shelters
- If evacuating WITH pets, write "EVACUATED" on sticker
🚨 Important
Never delay your own evacuation to search for a hiding pet. Tell firefighters about pets - they're trained in animal rescue.
Pet Fire Hazards
🐕 Prevent Pet-Caused Fires
- Use flameless candles (pets knock over candles)
- Remove stove knobs or use covers
- Don't leave pets alone with open flames
- Secure loose wires (chewing hazard)
- Keep pets away from space heaters
- Be careful with heat lamps (reptiles, birds)