Emergency Foster Care

Like thousands of families struggling with the effects of Hurricane Katrina, many of them have also lost pets. Many people have plans to deal with emergency situations for themselves, but fail to make arrangements for members of their family pets. Whether a small emergency such as fire or an emergency like a large tornado, hurricane, flood or man-made catastrophe, advanced planning always gives the best chance of keeping all members of your family safely.

Preparation

Start by talking with your family about what you do in various situations. Responses to localized emergencies like fires, storms and small power outages will likely differ from emergency plans for emergencies such as large-scale hurricanes, tornadoes and attacks caused by man. Plan evacuation routes to designated meeting points.

These vary depending on the situation. If you are dealing with floods, you'll want to take refuge in the hall of the site highest in your home. For a tornado, you'll want to take the family and animals at the lowest level of your home. If you are dealing with a chemical or emergency board, the Red Cross advises families to go in a room without windows that is above ground level (in the case of a chemical threat, a ground the above location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed).

All animals must have collars with identification tags and easily visible. ID tags should have the name of your pet, your phone number and important medical information. If possible, list a phone number. If you're not at home when danger strikes, calls can not reach you at a telephone at home.

For local emergencies, it is important to show a sign of animal rescue or sticker so that stakeholders know that there are pets in your home. Rescue Your sign should contain the types and names of pets in your house, and the name of the veterinarian and contact information. Use your discretion on the placement of additional contact information on the sign. If you want to give emergency officials enough information to keep you safe rescue of animals, you must be careful not to expose information that could be abused by lawyers or passersby.

Finally, make contact, evacuation route information and copies of emergency plan for all members of your family. Store them in waterproof bags ziploc to keep them dry in case of flood or water damage.

Destination

After you take care of basic preparation, you must agree on two meeting places: one near your home in case of emergencies such as fires, and another outside your immediate area if you must evacuate your home. Similarly, it is wise to designate two emergency contacts. The first should be in your neighborhood, the second will be out of town. In case of large-scale disaster it is often easier to reach people who are not in your immediate area. Make sure all your family members memorize phone numbers.

If it is necessary to leave your home, you may not be able to bring your pet to save the facilities with your family. To prevent the permanent separation, identification of a kennel or shelter in your area that provides emergency care or foster care for pets. Outside your area, the name and number of hotels, friends or relatives who accept pets. With these numbers and arrangements in place, you can find your pet, even if you are not able to return to your home.

Make an emergency kit

It is easy to prepare an emergency kit for you and your pet. Each packet must contain 3 days worth of supplies. Supplies should be stored in a backpack as close to an exit as possible.

For each member of your family, your pack should include:

* Batteries

* Battery powered flashlight

* Radio and batteries

* Bl