72-Hour Grindstone Family Readiness Guide
PETS
When preparing for an emergency, it is easy to focus on the people in our household and assume we will gather what our animals need if the time comes. But storms can develop quickly, stores may close, roads may become impassable, and evacuation orders may leave little time to prepare.
At Grindstone Ministries, we love our animals. You all know Disaster Daisy, Security Sunny, and
Zelig have all been part of the work we do.
They bring companionship, comfort, and a little
personality to even the busiest days. Like every animal that depends on us, they must be included in our emergency plans.
Start by considering what each pet needs for at least 72 hours, then gradually build toward the
CDC’s recommendation of a two-week supply whenever possible. Store food in a waterproof
container and set aside enough water for drinking and basic cleaning.
Include food and water bowls, daily medications, waste bags, litter and a litter box when needed, cleaning supplies, and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.
Remember to rotate these supplies regularly, using and replacing them before they expire.
Identification is just as important as supplies. Make sure every pet has a secure collar with an
identification tag containing your current telephone number. If your pet is microchipped, confirm that the registration company has your correct contact information. Keep the microchip number and company telephone number with your emergency documents.
Recent photographs can help identify a lost pet. Include clear pictures of each animal, along with a photograph of you and your pet together to help establish ownership. Write down the pet’s name, breed, sex, color, weight, distinguishing markings, veterinarian information, medical conditions, medications, feeding schedule, and behavior concerns.
Copies of vaccination records, rabies certificates, prescriptions, adoption papers, registration
information, and proof of ownership should be protected in a waterproof pouch. These records
may be required by a boarding facility, veterinarian, rescue organization, or pet-friendly shelter.
Knowing where your pet will go is also part of being prepared. Many public evacuation centers cannot accept household pets, so identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities, veterinarians, family members, or rescue organizations before an emergency occurs.
Keep their telephone numbers and addresses with your evacuation information.
Choose a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member who could reach your pets if you are away from home when an emergency occurs. Make sure that person knows where the animals and emergency supplies are located and has permission to enter your home if necessary.
Keep a leash, harness, or properly sized carrier where it can be reached quickly.
Even a calm and obedient pet may become frightened during a storm. Animals may hide, run away, or behave differently when they hear loud noises, smell smoke, or sense changes in the weather. Bringing pets inside early and securing them before conditions worsen can prevent them from becoming lost.
After the storm, continue to keep pets leashed, contained, or closely supervised. Familiar
landmarks and scents may have changed, fences may be damaged, and standing water or debris may contain sharp objects, chemicals, or other hazards. A normally gentle animal may also become anxious or defensive after a frightening event.
If you have birds, reptiles, fish, rabbits, or other small animals, their needs will be different.
Think through their cages, temperature requirements, food, water, bedding, transportation, and
any equipment that depends on electricity. Prepare a written care sheet in case someone else must look after them. Many of us also care for farm animals. Whether it is a small flock of chickens in a backyard coop or a field of sheep, goats, or cattle, they all matter and must be considered in our emergency planning.
Begin with determining how much feed and water your animals will need for an extended period
of time and how you will provide water if the electricity goes out or a well pump stops working.
Store feed where it will remain dry and protected from floodwater, pests, and contamination.
Inspect coops, barns, shelters, gates, and fencing before severe weather arrives. Identify higher
ground that may be used during flooding and decide where animals can be moved if their usual
shelter becomes unsafe. If evacuation is possible, know how many trailers, crates, halters, or
panels you will need and how much time it will take to load every animal.
Keep photographs, ownership records, veterinary information, medication instructions, and
identification records for livestock and poultry with your other emergency documents. Arrange
for a trusted person to care for your animals if you are away or unable to return home.
