Don't Forget Pets When Planning

With Hurricane Irene threatening to hit the area, make plans now. 

Only helping animals will be allowed in Grafton shelters in case of emergency. Make plans now for your pets in case they cannot be left at home.

Here are some suggestions from the  Community Emergency Response Team, part of the Grafton Emergency Management Agency.

Check with friends or family members. Look for pet-friendly hotels.

You could develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends, and/or relatives, in which someone is available to care for or evacuate you pets if you are unable to do so.

Check with your vet, to see if they have any plans in effect in case of emergencies.

Make a "ready kit'' with the following items:

Food: At least 3 days worth in waterproof containers

Water: At least 3 days worth in waterproof containers.

Medicines and medical records: Have a least 3 days worth of medication ready. Copy all important medical records including vaccinations. Place in a waterproof container or bag.

First aid kit: Check with your vet as to what would be needed for your pet. Include bandages, tape, scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick protection, latex gloves, alcohol & saline solutions, pet first aid booklet

Collar with tags, harness or leash: Your pet should always have a collar on with tags and identification should be on the collar. Include a spare in case one get lost or damaged.

Important documents: Pet’s name. Copies of pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a plastic bag or container.

Crate or pet carrier: If you need to evacuate in an emergency, take your pets with you, if you cannot leave them at home. This is when you would use your back up plan for your pets.

Sanitation: Include pet litter and box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and bleach

Have a small bottle of unscented bleach, for sanitation and to purify water, and two one-gallon bottle  to put your water in. Label one for drinking and the other one for sanitation.

Sanitation, Nine part water to one part bleach.

To purify water, 16 drops of bleach to 1 gallon of water and let stand for 30 minutes.

A picture of you and your pet: If you become separated from your pet the picture will document ownership and will help others in identifying your pet. Include information about the species, breed, age, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics of your pet. 

Familiar items: Put favorite toys, treats, and/or bedding in your kit.

Plastic tote container: Store as many of the about items in your tote. List all other items in a notebook and where they are located. Place this notebook in the tote. Now your tote is ready for any type of emergency.