Ready, Set, Plan for Your Pet

Put Together a Pet Disaster Kit. Having all your pets' supplies in one spot will make things much easier in case you have to evacuate. Keep everything in a sturdy container (such as a duffel bag or covered plastic bin) that can be carried easily.

In the following list are several items to consider. If your family must evacuate in a hurry, you might be able to take only a few essential pet supplies with you. It's a good idea, however, to have all of these things on hand at home.

• Flashlight
• Gloves
• Tape
• Cold compress
• Bandages
• Petroleum jelly
• Corn syrup (if your pet has low blood sugar)
• Dropper for eye medicine
• Syringe with a rubber bulb (used to flush eyes, ears, and cuts on skin)
• Hot compress
• Extra medicine (if your pet takes medicine)
• Antibiotic ointment
• Gauze pads
• Epsom salt
• Muzzle
• Information about your pet's health history
• Pet treats
• Leash, harness, pet carrier, and/or bird cage
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers
• Old towel or blanket
• Your vet's phone number
• Phone numbers for animal hospitals, emergency animal shelters, and National Animal Poison Control Center (1-800-548-2423)
• Used, expired credit card (good for scraping away bee stingers)
• Rubbing alcohol
• Scissors
• Water (bottled)
• Splints (can be made from newspaper and wood or sticks)
• Styptic pencil (stops bleeding)
• Charcoal tablets (for poisoning)
• Thermometer
• Q-tips or other cotton swabs
• Vaccination chart

If you have to evacuate, also bring:

• Photo of your pet in case you get separated (if that happens go to www.petfinder.com)
• pet food (at least three days worth for each pet)
• food and water bowels
• can opener
• kitty litter and litter pan (for cats)
• small pet bed and a few toys if you have room.

Store your pet disaster kit where you'll be able to find it quickly in an emergency.