Pet Emergency Preparedness Steps

If you’re like our family, your pets are as much a part of the family as anyone else. You would do anything for them. We often hear stories on the news about cats or dogs being rescued from a disaster and it touches our hearts. If you’re like us and your pets mean the world to you, it’s important to have their needs taken care of in the event of an emergency. Before disaster strikes, take the time to make a plan that will ensure your pet’s safety.

1. First Thing to Do

No matter the emergency situation, SOS Products believes it’s key to have the necessary supplies, and this includes supplies for your pets. A pet emergency kit has everything your cat, dog or other animal will need. Kits should include:

• Water
• Pet bowl
• Waste bags
• Blanket
• Can opener
• First aid supplies

In addition, we also recommend having a pet emergency guide on hand. The guide will provide you with temporary urgent care tips that you can use in case you can’t make it to a veterinarian.

2. Evacuation Plan

In event of a disaster, remember if it’s not safe for you to stay in your home then it’s not safe for your pets either. Take your pets with you when you evacuate so they will not be exposed to injury or harm.

3. After a Disaster

If you’ve been forced to evacuate, keep your pets on leashes or in a crate. Because they’re in an unfamiliar place, they’re a little more on edge and may flee if allowed to roam free.

Further, if you’re allowed to return home, inspect the area for other animals since wild animals can be a hazard for your pets. Also, you may have to keep them in the crate until you’re able to secure the house as floods, fire or other disasters may have caused damage to the home.

4. Unable to Come Home

Unfortunately, disasters can strike at any time and as such, there are times when you can’t make it back to your home to retrieve your pets. In these instances, it’s important to have a backup plan in place. Seek out a neighbor who you trust to care for your pets. Provide the neighbor with a key to your home and let him or her know where the pet food is. It’s also a good idea to go over the pets’ habits so that he or she can make things as comfortable for your pets as possible until you return home.

Taking the time to make an emergency plan for your family, including your pets, goes a long way in ensuring the safety of everyone if a disaster were to strike. Keep these tips in mind as you create your plan and be sure to stock up on disaster supplies. If you have any questions about what you need for your pets or for yourself, reach out to the experts at SOS Survival Products. We’re here to help!

What to Do In the Event of a Flood

As spring and the rainy season approach, floods become more and more of a concern. Any place on Earth where it rains is vulnerable to floods. While most floods develop over time and allow people time to prepare, not all do. Flash floods can be extremely dangerous and kill about 140 people every year in the United States alone. While floods can be treacherous and need to be taken seriously, there are steps you can follow before, after and during floods to help ensure you and your family remain safe.

How Do Floods Happen?

Floods are among the most frequently occurring natural disasters. Flooding occurs when natural and artificial watercourses exceed capacity, typically during periods of long or heavy rainfall. On the coast, flooding can be triggered by other natural events such as tropical cyclones or tsunamis. Flooding occurs most heavily in low-lying areas; however, flash floods can occur almost anywhere.

Flood Disaster Preparedness

Whether you live in an area that frequently sees flash floods or not, it’s a good idea to educate yourself ahead of time about flooding and to stock up on flood disaster supplies. Some of the most important items to ensure you have easy access to during an emergency include:

• Drinking water
• Food that does not require refrigeration or cooking
• First aid supplies
• Battery-powered radio
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Waterproof pouches to hold personal items and keep them dry

Make a plan with your family and for your pets about where you’ll go during a flood. Map out routes that are not prone to flooding in case you must evacuate.

What to Do During a Flood

When you first become aware of a flash flood watch (meaning flooding is possible in your area) or a flash flood warning (flooding is already occurring in your area or will soon), monitor your surroundings carefully and get to a safe area as soon as possible. If you are driving, fill up on gas but do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways or rushing water, even if it looks shallow. Flash floods are powerful and can sweep your car off the road as easily as they can knock you off your feet.

If you’re stuck at home and there’s a possibility water may get high enough to seep inside, you should board up your doors and windows as fast as possible. Cut off your utilities – turn off gas, electricity and water – and head upstairs with important items like legal paperwork and expensive electronics. If you have hazardous materials in a shed or your garage, such as oil, pesticides or even cleaning supplies, move them to higher locations so they don’t create even more hazardous water conditions.

Use your battery-powered radio to monitor the latest information and find out when it’s safe to leave again. If you are stranded and are in immediate danger from rising water, contact emergency services immediately.

How to Stay Safe After a Flood

If you’ve come in contact with flood water, be sure wash your hands with clean water and soap ASAP. Stay away from down power lines, watch out for washed out roads and stop kids from playing in areas that are still flooded.

If your home was flooded, check for damage that could affect your gas lines or electrical system. If there is damage, have a professional come check everything out before you turn utilities back on. Finally, take pictures of everything damaged for insurance purposes, throw away medicine, food and drinks that had any contact with flood water, and disinfect everything that got wet. If your home is in need of major repairs, check out the American Red Cross guide Repairing Your Flooded Home for help getting started.