Week 15: Pet Preparedness

Earlier this week, the Louisville Area Chapter responded to a fire that completely destroyed a Louisville home. Thankfully, the family was able to escape, but the family dog was unable to make it out in time.

The National Pet Owners Survey compiled by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association in 2011 revealed that more than 30% of U.S. households own a dog or cat. Pet owners know well how quickly a four-legged friend becomes part of the family and how devastating their loss can be.

  

Just as you can help prepare your family for disaster, you can help make sure your pet has the best chance of survival should a disaster take place. In your disaster kit, or in a separate kit, collect items for your pet such as:

• Pet food
• Extra water
• Food/water bowls
• Mediations and medical records in a plastic container

Also keep toys and a photo of you with your pet(s) should you be separated during a disaster. Visit redcross.org for more on preparing your pet for disasters including a video on building your own Pet First Aid kit.

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Week 14: Dining in Disasters

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now, what to do with all of those leftovers . . . . I'm no expert in turkey recipes, but I do know a great way you can re-purpose those left over utensils. You might need a fork or two to help eat all of the food you've been packing in your disaster kit. I'm not against eating with your hands, but having a plate and fork is a little more sanitary. #justsayin –oops! Wrong social media site. Paper towels, napkins and plastic cups can also be useful during a disaster, so if you're out of storage room in the kitchen, go ahead and stock a few things in your kit.

You might have noticed I only focused on one week in this post. Don't worry, I'm not shorting you. Au contraire, next week's post (week 15) will be completely dedicated to preparing for our furry friends.

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