Watching the news recently has been very sobering and sad as we have seen more than a half a million people evacuated and thousands lose their homes in southern California. It reminds us that emergencies and the need for preparation affect all of us no matter where we live. We may not worry about hurricanes, tornadoes or earthquakes, but a fire can happen anywhere and with little warning.

We have discussed evacuation in the past, and I hope everyone has reviewed the Totally Ready article “Prepare to Evacuate!” and prepared your family. This seems a good time to discuss in more depth the care for our family members with special needs — the elderly, disabled and yes, our much loved pets.

Outfitting the Disabled

Every member of the family should have a 72-hour kit. For those who are elderly or disabled and cannot, and should not, be expected to carry a complete kit, there are still ways to prepare. One great option is to purchase a good fishing vest for these family members. A vest is easier for someone in a wheelchair or with limited mobility to handle. There are several pockets in these vests, which you can fill with the most essential lifesaving items as well as comfort items.

The first item to add to the vest is an identification card. This card should have the names, addresses and phone numbers (home, work and cell) of several family members, some of whom live nearby and at least one who lives at least 100 miles away. List the name and phone numbers for all doctors, pharmacies, hospital, and religious leaders.

Note all medications that are being taken, including the dosage and directions for use. This will enable emergency workers to get medications to you more quickly and more safely as they will not have to rely on your memory, and we all know that in a stressful situation we can become confused.

Second, include a few days’ supply of all medications that are currently being taken. Some medications need to be refrigerated or have a very limited shelf life, but for all others talk to your doctor about getting a few extra doses to have on hand. Also, don’t forget eyeglasses. If you are awakened during the night and need to get out quickly, you may not be able to find your glasses. I know there are plenty of times when I can’t!

Third, add a whistle to your vest. A whistle can be heard much further away than the human voice. Teach each member of your family a whistle code, such as Morse code, that they can blow if you are separated. You will be able to recognize the code and follow the sound to locate your family member. A whistle signal will also enable rescue workers to find you more quickly.

Fourth, food and especially water are essential! Water purchased in survival pouches is easy to fit into the pockets of a fishing vest. Even two or three pouches will make a huge difference during an emergency. A 400-calorie emergency energy bar is a great choice for food. They are compact, inexpensive, and have a long shelf life — five years or more.

Fifth, I would include a Mylar blanket. They are also compact, inexpensive and versatile. They can be used not only for warmth, but also as a reflective signaling device, protection from the elements, as a shield from the hot sun, and so much more.

Add cash. As with full size 72-hour kits, cash should be in small denomination bills (nothing over a $10 bill), and some coins. Supplies may be available to purchase, if you have cash. Credit cards and checks become useless in many emergency situations, especially without electricity.

Lastly, add any personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste and wet wipes. If you still have room in your vest for more, read the Totally Ready article, “Surviving the Unthinkable”, and determine which of the other suggested items you would like to add to your kit.

Caring for Pets

Now let’s discuss your pets. As I watched the evacuees in San Diego this week, I was reminded how important our pets are to our families. Take steps now to insure their well-being.

Prepare an area inside the house for pets to stay. We will not need to evacuate our homes for every emergency. When we are able to remain in our homes, we need to have a place ready for our pets. This area should be away from windows, on the second story if you are in a flood area and have a tile or vinyl floor for easy maintenance.

Store dry food to leave in the room with your pets — preferably food that they do not normally like to eat. This will keep them from overeating and running out of food. For birds that need to eat every day, use a food dispenser. Also, include dry food and water, and bowls to hold them, in your emergency evacuation kits for them.

Plan for pets to have sufficient water. Water should be supplied in large amounts in containers that cannot be spilled. Bathtubs and sinks work great; toilets do not. Make sure toilet seats are closed when leaving a pet in a bathroom.

Do not leave vitamins, mineral supplements, or snacks if you are leaving your pets alone. Salty treats may cause more thirst. These items should be included in your emergency kits, however.

Do not leave more than one pet in a room. Even the best of friends can become a danger to each other during a stressful time. Animals that may be dangerous to others should be left in cages. Place cages on counters or other high surfaces. Keep counters and tops of furniture clear in case an uncaged animal needs access to these as water rises in the room to which they are confined.

Obtain cages for all animals in the event you need to keep them in a confined area with you, such as a safe room (see Totally Ready article: “Safe Havens and Safe Rooms” or in case of an evacuation. Most shelters will require you to have a cage for your pet or they may be turned away.

Never leave a pet tied up outside during a weather disaster. Pets may be able to survive an emergency if they are free but tied up they don’t stand a chance. At the very least, prepare to shelter them in the garage.

Purchase or obtain items for a 72-hour kit for each pet. This kit should include: a leash for each animal, food, water, food and water dishes, medications, medical records, collar with identification tags, identification form (such as the one you have for your children) with veterinarian, owner address and phone numbers, and medical conditions with any medications being taken.

A familiar toy or blanket will bring comfort and help to calm your pets. They will be confused and stressed also. Be sure to include plastic bags and a pooper scooper or litter and litter box.

For larger animals, such as horses, create a plan now. Make arrangements with friends or a stable to take in your animals. Make sure you consider how you will transport these pets to their evacuation site. If you have five horses but a horse trailer for two, it will take at least two trips, and maybe three, to secure them. You may not have that much time.

When returning home, remember things will have changed. Your pet may get lost if left on its own. Always take your pet outside on a leash until they adjust to the new surroundings.

It is crucial to plan carefully and protect the individuals and pets in our family who cannot provide for themselves. If we have our kits prepared now when an emergency arises we will be able to quickly grab those kits saving precious time to collect photos and other irreplaceable treasures. With a bit of preparation now, we can provide a calm consistent experience should disaster threaten.

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