BE PREPARED
  
 

   

DISINFECTING WATER
 
If polluted, strain water through a clean cloth, paper towel or
paper coffee filer to remove any sediment or floating
material.
 
Water may be disinfected with liquid chlorine bleach.
 
DO NOT USE THE GRANULAR FORM OF BLEACH OR SOLUTIONS
THAT HAVE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS OTHER THAN HYPOCHLORITE
If the liquid bleach you are using is older than one year, you
should double the amount listed.
 
Mix water and hypochlorite (bleach) thoroughly by stirring or
shaking in a container. Let stand for 30 minutes. A slight
chlorine odor should be detectable in the water. If not, repeat the
dosage and let stand for an additional 15 minutes before using.

   Clear Water:  Cloudy Water:
 Water  Bleach  Bleach
 1 Quart  2 Drops  4 Drops
 1 Gallon  8 Drops  16 Drops
 5 Gallons  ½ Teaspoon  1 Teaspoon
NOTE: Water may also be purified by bringing it to a rapid boil
for at least 5 minutes.)
Establish an out-of-area contact. Since it is easier to place a call
out of the disaster area, it is a good idea to ask a relative or
friend who lives outside of your immediate area to act as a
clearinghouse for information about you and your family. All
family members should know to call this contact to report their
locations and conditions. Once your contact person has been
called, this person can relay messages to other relatives and
friends outside the disaster area. By establishing an out-of-area
contact person, you can help reduce the amount of calling into
and out of the disaster area. This will help keep the network
clear for emergency calls.

Have a plan for reuniting your family that does not involve
using the telephone. If you have children, make sure you know
their school's emergency plans and its policies concerning
dismissal following a natural disaster.
 
 

 
 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR PETS
Adapted from: www.earthshakes.com

PET EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT
• ID Tags with your phone number and an out of area phone number. The reverse side
should provide the name of the micro chip company and micro chip number
• Photo(s) of pet(s)
• Carriers
• Copies of vaccination records
• Capped bowl
• Pet food
• Can opener
• Work gloves, muzzle
• Bowl for water
• Plastic bags & newspaper
• Small shovel for picking up droppings
• Leash, collars, harnesses
• Litter box & liners
• Grooming supplies
• First aid guide/manual
• Toys
• First aid kit
• Blankets
• Splinting material
• Disinfectants
• Pet medication
• Medical history
• Paper towels

SANITATION
It will probably be necessary too clean up after your pet when you have evacuated to a shelter or temporary
location. Include plastic bags and newspaper in your kit. It is not practical to pack kitty litter. Include a litter
pan and liner in your kit. You can place the litter pan liner into the litter box and fill it with sand or soil once
you are in place after evacuation.

MEDICAL NEEDS
 Once you have determined that you and your family are safe and have dealt with human needs, check your
pets for injuries or medical needs. If your pet is injured you must be prepared to render first aid. You should
look into veterinary first aid guides and manuals and kits as part of your disaster preparedness long before
anything happens
 
Be aware that an injured animal is very frightened and may bite or scratch a rescuer, thinking that you are
trying to cause further harm. The animal should be approached carefully and with protection in the form of
gloves, a blanket, a pillowcase, muzzle or other materials. A muzzle can be made from a gauze roll or can be
purchased at a pet supply store and placed in your kit.

TRANSPORTATION
 All dogs should wear a sturdy collar with up to date tags at all times. Stay-at-home dogs not used to a collar
will need one for evacuation purposes. Dog leashes and car harnesses should be added to your kit. It is
recommended that cat owners keep a carrying case with their evacuation supplies

IDENTIFICATION
 All dogs should have up-to-date registration. Both cats and dogs may be further identified through a
microchip, available through your local Humane Society or veterinarian. Along with your pet's medical history
you should keep an up-to-date photo of your animal(s) for use in case you become separated from them.

SAFETY AND SECURITY
 All dogs should have up-to-date registration. Both cats and dogs may be further identified through a
microchip, available through your local Humane Society or veterinarian. Along with your pet's medical history
you should keep an up-to-date photo of your animal(s) for use in case you become separated from them.
If you are evacuated to a community or Red Cross shelter, be aware that they do not accept pets. Usually an
area is set aside for pets, but you will have to secure each animal to a fence, tree or suitable post. Don't
forget to walk your animal and take some time to be with them after they are secured. Be aware that a dog
can be very territorial, especially under stress, and may wish to defend their toys. You may wish to add a
familiar blanket or toy to the supplies to keep your pet happy. Most cats and dogs enjoy being brushed and
most owners find the procedure to be calming and relaxing. With these two results in mind it is a good idea
to include simple grooming supplies in your kit,

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE
 Do not try to hold your pet during the shaking. Animals will instinctively protect themselves and hide where
they are safe. If you get in their way, even the nicest pet can turn on you.
 
If you have outdoor pets, you should keep them indoors until it is safe outdoors and they have calmed down.