Disaster Prep

What would you do in times of emergency? As a pet owner there is added pressure to look out for your own well-being as well as your animal’s when preparing for natural disasters. Depending on where you live, hurricane preparation may be necessary. If you have to respond to a tornado warning or a looming blizzard, planning ahead is generally a wiser approach. Here are a few things to think through when doing disaster prep:

Have a plan: Make sure you and your family have a plan in place for when disaster strikes. Have a designated safe space where everyone meets in the house, and make sure one or more people are in charge of getting the pets safely there as well.

Medical Records: Always have a copy of your pets up to date Vaccine and medical records on hand, also consider backing up medical records virtually.

Microchips & Tags: One way to track your animals is to microchip them in case you get seperated. Many animals are afraid of storms and might run away thinking they can get away from it. Tags with contact information help emergency responders know that the pet/animal has an owner and help return it to you.

Be prepared: Prepare yourself with plenty of water and non-perishable foods for you and your animals. If you have farm animals, make sure you have at least 2 weeks of animal feed stocked, along with a designated safe space for them.

Do not: Evacuate, unless told to do so! It may be more dangerous to be outside.

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Helpful tips and things to have on hand: 

• Multiple flash lights with extra batteries
• Battery operated radio to follow the storm, and evacuation plan if necessary
• Fire extinguishers
• Clothing
• Blankets, pillows
• Pee pads for dogs, litter box for cats
• Garbage bags for waste
• Ready to eat food, non-perishable items, water
• First aid kit
• All Rx medications
• Cash
• Tarps

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GuardianVets offers Virtual Care solutions to make medical care accessible even in times of disasters. We can take over calls for clinics and triage clients while the clinic is unable to. Ask your animal doctor about GuardianVets! If you are a Practice Owner/Manager contact Sales at sales@prod.guardianvets.com.com to know more.