Disaster Preparedness Tips

Oklahoma is in the heart of tornado country, so it’s important to be prepared for your family and pets, in case a tornado hits. Animal Emergency Center of Tulsa has provided the following five disaster preparedness tips that are geared specifically toward your pet family. And although we hope your pet is always safe, remember that we’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all pet emergencies. Just give us a call at (918) 665-0508.

1. Have an Emergency Supply/Travel Kit Packed: Your kit should include a pet first-aid kit, several days’ worth of pet food, bottled water, a leash and collar, bowls, litter and disposable litter trays (for cats), and a blanket. Your regular veterinarian can advise you on additional items that should be included in your kit. Keep your kit in a safe area that can be easily accessed, and make sure your entire family knows where it is.

2. Be Prepared for an Evacuation: It may seem like obvious advice to bring your pet inside during inclement weather, but sadly, many pets DO get left outside during tornados and other natural disasters. Don’t let your pet be one of them. Make sure that your pet and emergency kit are part of your evacuation plan. Be sure to perform several evacuation drills with your family so that everyone can be prepared.

3. Have a Tornado-Safe Area Planned: There may be times when time simply does not allow for a safe evacuation, which is why it’s important to have a tornado-safe area that’s pet friendly to resort to. This can be your basement, storm cellar, or the lowest level of your home. Make sure your pet is already trained and comfortable to go to this area and that you know how to quickly and safely secure them.

4. Make Sure Your Pet Has Sufficient Identification: Although the ID tag and collar should already be part of your emergency kit, a permanent form of identification can greatly increase the chances of a safe reunion, should your pet ever become separated from you. Some permanent forms of identification include microchips and tattoos. Ask your regular veterinary what methods they offer and schedule an appointment for placement.

5. Wait Until the Storm Completely Passes: Keep your pets close by and secured with you even after the storm passes. Once you know that it’s safe to exit from your tornado-safe area, keep your pet on a leash. The whole ordeal can obviously be very stressful for a pet and result in unpredictable behavior, so it’s best to keep them leashed long after the storm passes.

If you have any questions about the tips above, or if your pet is ever in need of emergency care, please feel free to contact us at (918) 665-0508, and we’ll be happy to help you.