Don’t forget about your pets!

If you own an animal you are responsible for its welfare and you must include them in your emergency planning:

• Think about having two emergency kits for your pets:
  • Home kit – contains what you may need to stay at home in shelter for several days
  • Evacuation kit – a portable and lightweight kit for when you need to leave quickly
• Practice getting your family and pets to the designated safe space.
• If you can’t take your pet during evacuation, put them in an upstairs room with plenty of water and sanitation. Go to the nominated humanitarian rest centre as directed and report that your pet has been left at home.
• Animals drink more water when stressed so store at least five days of water.
• Store any medicine in a waterproof container.
• Keep copies of any medical and vaccination records.
• Add an ID tag to your pets’ collar that clearly shows your name, phone number and address and make sure they are microchipped.