A checklist for companion animals can be found below. For more detail on selected items, please click on the corresponding number in each section. A complete checklist and details are also available for download as a PDF document.
Disaster Kit This should be assembled long before a disaster in a durable, waterproof, easy to move container. They should be stored in an easy to access location away from extreme temperatures.
15.
Current animal information in a sealable, waterproof bag:
a.
List of all animals
b.
Name, address, and phone #
c.
Emergency contact informationd.
d.
All animals’ location on the farm
e.
Feeding records of all animals
f.
Copy of vaccination records of all animals
g.
Drug treatment records
h.
Copy of records of medical tests
i.
Proof of ownership for all animals
j.
Microchip number (if appropriate)
k.
Name, phone #, and address of veterinarian
l.
Current photos
16.
All purpose knife
17.
Wire cutters
For You:
18.
Batteries/Solar powered energy supply
19.
Flashlight
20.
Radio
21.
Cell phone and charger
22.
Map of local area including evacuation routes
Upon Warning of a Disaster/Evacuation At the first warning of disaster, assess the particular situation and begin evacuation procedures (if feasible) to ensure that you and your animals get out safely. Keep in mind that you cannot pull heavy trailers in high winds. You also need to make sure that there are spaces available in your prearranged evacuation locations. If you wait until the last moment, you and your animals may not be able to leave the area.
1.
Notify all emergency workers including handlers and drivers
2.
Begin emergency plan
If you are evacuating the animals:
3.
Bring all animals indoors so that you do not have to search for them
4.
Check that all collars and identifications are securely fastened on the animal
5.
Attach identification of the emergency shelter to the animals
6.
Ensure disaster kit is fully equipped and ready for quick departure
7.
Get trailers and vehicles ready for loading animals
8.
Place halters and lead ropes on all animals
9.
Call evacuation location to ensure spaces are available for your animals
10.
Load:
a.
Disaster kit
b.
Animals
During a Disaster/Evacuation If possible, always evacuate your animals in a disaster situation. To determine whether or not you will be able to evacuate your animals depends on the type of disaster as well as the following criteria:
Do you have adequate vehicles to move your animals safely?
Do you have a shelter out of your immediate area which can house your animals?
Does this shelter have fencing to separate the animals into appropriate groups?
Does your pasture contain: non-native trees, power lines/poles, unsecured debris, barbed wire fencing, or is less than 1 acre in size? (any of these items would make it unsafe for your animals to be left out in a pasture during a disaster)
If you answered “yes” to these questions then it would be more appropriate for you to evacuate your animals than leave them in a pasture or a barn.
3.
Listen to the radio for information and do not come out of safe area until officials deem the area secure
If you are not home:
1.
Contact your “responsible person”
2.
Meet at predetermined location and assume responsibility of animals
If you must leave your animals behind: If your animals cannot be evacuated, it is often better to release them into the pasture rather than keeping them confined in a shelter. By keeping them in a shelter, the animals are not able to protect themselves. In order to decide where to keep the animals, you must assess:
The type of disaster
The location of your shelter
The ability of your shelter to withstand the elements
You must also assess your pasture. If your pasture:
Does not contain non-native trees
Does not contain power lines/poles
Does not contain unsecured debris
Does not contain barbed wire fencing
Is larger than 1 acre in size
Has a free access building for your animals to take shelter when necessary
If your pasture meets these criteria then your animals will have a better chance of survival being in the pasture rather than being contained in a shelter.
1.
Post a clearly visible sign indicating the number, breed, and location of all animals left at the farm
2.
Leave plenty of food and water in areas that are easily attainable by the animals
3.
Leave an extra supply of food so rescue workers can feed the animals until your return
4.
Do not tie animals
5.
Do not let animals loose towards roads
After Returning from an Evacuation
1. Keep your animals confined until you have had a chance to locate damage
