MARY JO NAGY | Pets Include animals in disaster plans

No one could have predicted the World Trade Center disaster. Americans viewed the despair of thousands of people who lost loved ones, friends and co-workers.
In addition, many of these people who lost their lives left behind companion animals. Their animals did not know why their loved ones never came home to take care of them. They were scared, thirsty and hungry. Thousands of pets that were taken from apartments are now in foster care in shelters around New York City. Many animals are now homeless.
Unfortunately, disaster can strike in many forms. A disaster could be a tornado, a toxic spill, a ruptured gas line or any situation that would endanger people and pets. You need an evacuation plan.
Motto: All of us need to prepare for our pets in our disaster plans and relief efforts. The United Animal Nations Emergency animal rescue service has a motto: "Don't leave home without them: Make animals part of your disaster plan."
Planning is the only way to keep you and your companion animals safe. There are several tips for your disaster plan:
UAlways keep a collar with a current identification tag on your animals. Even cats should wear breakaway collars.
UHave assembled and ready to go a cat carrier to evacuate each cat in your household. Make sure you have litter and a pan about the size of a shoebox to put in the carrier. Birds should be transported in cages.
UHave a harness and a leash for each dog in your house. Always have one in the car. If you have to abandon your car, your dog will need to be secure.
UBe prepared. Even though the Red Cross shelters will not allow pets, never leave them behind. Locate several possible safe locations for your pets before a disaster strikes. This could include boarding kennels, veterinary clinics with boarding space, dog and cat clubs and training facilities, hotels or motels that will allow pets and the local animal shelter.
UStart a buddy system with neighbors so they will check on your animals in case you are not at home. You do the same for them.
UAlways have at least one week's supply of food on hand in addition to your regular supply. Store all food in airtight, waterproof containers and buy flip-top cans if you use canned food. Chew toys will reduce stress for crated animals. Don't forget bowls.
UHave at least a week's water supply, too. Never let pets drink water that may have been contaminated.
UTake color photos of all your pets. Keep them with important papers, like insurance policies, that you would take with you if you had to evacuate. Store them in a resealable plastic bag so they cannot be damaged.
ULocate a veterinarian who has a disaster plan. You need to know where you can take a severely injured animal immediately. Buy an animal first aid kit or make one. If your animal needs medication, have a backup supply. A first aid kit should include a conforming bandage, gauze pads and rolls, Q-tips, antiseptic wipes, emollient cream, tweezers and scissors, an instant cold pack, latex gloves, a muzzle and a blanket or towel.
UKnow where the animal shelters or rescue organizations are in your community. You may need to visit them following a disaster to find a missing pet.
UIf you have a bird, reptile or other small animal, horses or livestock, there are additional items that you will need to ensure their safety.
If you would like more information about being prepared for a disaster or how to become a trained disaster volunteer, contact EARS at (916) 429-2457, or on the Web at www.uan.org.
XMary Jo Nagy is a volunteer with Angels for Animals.