Pet preparedness

Place the following items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container:

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape.
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.
• Medications and copies of medical records are stored in a waterproof container.
• A first aid kit.
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable. 

Pet owners can download the Red Cross Pet First Aid app for more information on how to include pets in emergency preparedness plans. The app also features step-by-step instructions for first aid emergencies, a pet profile for storing tag ID, photo and medical information, early warning signs for when to contact a veterinarian and an animal hospital locator. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross, texting GETPET to 90999 for a link to download the app, or going to redcross.org/apps.

Downloadable resources from our federal partners at FEMA can be found at www.ready.gov/pets.  

The Emergency Management Department has numerous resources and volunteering opportunities for those interested in Disaster Animal Response teams. For more information, you can contact our office at 816-325-7167 or fill out the volunteer application on the website.  

For large animals and livestock, make sure your plan includes a map of your farm indicating buildings and structures, access routes, blocked passages and barriers, locations of livestock and shelters, locations of hazardous substances (such as pesticides, fuel, etc.), and electrical shut-off locations.

Review your emergency plan with your employees and make sure they are aware of where all supplies and animals are always located. Always have identifying information for your animals or livestock and that animals have identification on them.

Keep a stockpile of supplies on hand such as:

• Sandbags and plastic sheeting
• Wire and ropes to secure objects
• Lumber and plywood to protect windows
• Extra food and water for livestock
• Extra fuel for tractors and vehicles
• Hand tools
• Fire extinguishers
• A gas-powered generator 

Here are more steps you should take:

• If possible, plan to evacuate with your animals. Plan out routes and find vehicles and trailers to transport your animals and livestock.
• Don’t forget to ensure that your destination has food, water, handling equipment, and veterinary care.
• Make sure to build a go-kit for your farm as much as you would for your home. Include veterinarian information, insurance agent information and documentation of coverage, other important documentation, food, water, and medication.
• If you must shelter your animals in place, you may want to remove them from pastures and shelter them in a barn or other large structure if possible, providing them with feed and water. Make sure the shelter is free of neighboring debris, trees that can be uprooted easily, overhead powerlines, etc.
• It may be best to let your livestock remain in pastures, as confinement in a shelter can take away the ability of animals to protect themselves.
• For potential flooding, make sure to relocate your animals to higher ground.