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For those with pets, preparing for a wildfire means having a plan for every occupant of your home — not just the human ones.
Knowing what to do with your pets before disaster strikes will save you time and reduce chaos. As you would do for people, putting aside emergency supplies and having your pet’s documents in order before an emergency is vital.
“First and foremost, make sure [pets] have up-to-date identification,” said Justin Khosrowabadi, public relations specialist for the Los Angeles Department of Animal Services. It makes the process of checking them into evacuation centers and returning them to you much easier. “And of course if they’re lost, it’s the best way to bring them home.”
The agency encourages people to train cats, dogs and other small and medium-size pets to feel comfortable in portable kennels, as “it will reduce a lot of time and stress when evacuating,” Khosrowabadi said.
And be sure to have a pet evacuation kit ready.
The following steps can help prepare small and large animals for a wildfire in your community, according to the Department of Animal Services and the National Fire Protection Assn.:
Before an emergency strikes:
It should contain:
Preparing larger animals for evacuation will require more planning and supplies. Here are some tips from both agencies:
The best way to get through a wildfire safely is to prepare for it. Here are some key points to remember.
Include the following:
If there’s an emergency and evacuations are ordered, evacuation sites for horses and other large animals will be activated by the Department of Animal Services.
It is never recommended that you leave your large animal behind or let it loose during an emergency. The Department of Animal Services offers assistance for large animal transportation.
If you have a horse and absolutely can’t evacuate with it and have to set it loose, the National Fire Protection Assn. suggests you make sure to mark or attach your contact information on it by:
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