How To Be Prepared For A Disaster That May Never Happen In Your Area: How To Prepare For A Disaster That May Never Happen In Your Own Home: The Week Of Disaster Preparedness

The first step in disaster preparedness is putting together an emergency supply kit. The kit should be filled with blankets, changes of clothes, food, water, and medical supplies. The kits should also include antiseptic wipes, gauze, tweezers, saline rinse, cotton pad, bandaging material, hydrogen peroxide, and medications. The ASPCA always recommends microchipping your pet as a form of identification should you get separated during a disaster. It's also very important that all your pets wear their collars and tags at all times. Categories should include your pet's name, telephone number, and any urgent medical conditions. For those prone to flooding: For those familiar with floodings, you know just how quickly they can start, as well as how quick they can become life-threatening. In fact, of all natural disasters, flooding causes the most injuries and deaths. Did you know that six inches of moving water can knock you down? And only one foot of moving flood water can sweep your vehicle away? If you live in an area prone to floods, it's important to learn and practice your city's evacuation routes and plans. To prepare for a situation in which you cannot evacuate, locate high-ground areas near you (like your roof) where you can find safety during the rising waters. For people prone to wildfires, Wildfires are just that - wild fires. They are not to be controlled. They move quickly across the land. When and if a wildfire threatens your area, the best possible thing to do is to get out early to avoid becoming trapped. Be sure to drive slow and keep your lights on if there is smoke. It will disrupt your visibility. If you can't evacuate, it is important to make your home and surrounding areas as fire-resistant as possible. This means reducing the number of flammable materials around your home. Close all doors and windows but leave everything unlocked in case you need to flee. Disasters can and do happen. Believing otherwise is not realistic and can result in the injury, confusion, or separation of you, your loved ones, and pets. My mother once told me, “Better to have it and not need it, then not have it. ” Of course, she had been talking about her wallet at the time, but it applies to just about everything in life - including emergency preparedness. It's far better to be prepared for a storm that may never come, then to have a disaster come and have nothing. The idea of something happening to my dogs or loved ones during a crisis because of my lack of preparation doesn't sit very well with me. I doubt it sits well with you. Like so many out there, my dogs are my life. At the end of the day, I fear not for what a disaster might to do to me, but what one might do to one of my animals. By following some of the above recommendations, others can follow. Learn more ways to keep our pets safe : Unexpected Pet Poisons : What Does My Dog’s Poop Mean? Myths About Rescue Dogs . .