(NAPSA)—Whilenooneis immune from the devastation of a natural disaster, preparing beforea stormhitsis key to keeping everyone in your family—including your pets—safe. Here are six ideas to keep in mindfor your pet as you map outyourdisaster preparednessplan. + Have your pet microchipped. In the event of an emergency—naturalor otherwise—youwantto ensure your pet can get back to youif you're separated. Collars and IDtags, though important, can break or detach. Microchips—com- puterized and scannable implants about the size ofa grain ofrice—are more foolproofsince they're inserted under your Prepare yourpet to escape disasters. if needed. Choose an easy-to-carry bag, labelit and keep it where everyone in + Bring yourpetsinside at the first the family can findit quickly. The bag sign of danger. Disasters can be dis- should include petfirst aid kit; enough pet's skin. orienting for pets, and they could run away or hurtthemselvesreacting to loud noisesand strange changesto their land- food and bottled water for a week (rotate this every couple of months to keep it from going bad); medications duringa natural disaster is never a good ‘waste; an extra collar and leash; photo- exposed to a numberoflife-threatening photosofyourpets; and a favorite toy or scape. Also,rain, flying debris and high (checkperiodically to ensure medicines in your emergency bag don't expire); windspose a danger. If you have to leave, keep your cleanup supplies; food and water dishes; pet with you. Leaving your pets behind bags (orlitter for cats) for collecting idea becausethey could escape or become copies ofmedical records; towels; recent hazards. Keep them ona leash or in a chewy for comfort. It’s also a goodidea pet carrier so they don’t escape even in a “familiar” neighborhood. to have a sturdycarrieror crate for each dinate, in advance, to stay with friends pets? said Kris Kiser, president and CEOofthe Outdoor Power Equipment + Determine whereyou'll go. Coor- or family members, or find a_pet- friendly hotel outside the disaster area. Have those conversations and do your research well aheadoftime so you have a plan in place when needed. + Create a pet-friendly resourcelist. Not all emergency shelters will accept pets, so you needa Plan B. Developa list ofthe pet-friendly hotels outside your immediatearea. Research list ofveteri- narians in the area shouldyourpet need medicalcare (your regular vet may have some recommendations). Also, figure out which boarding facilities are nearby in case you needto separate from your petfora time. Pack an emergency bag. You'll want emergency provisions packed for yourpet well in advanceof a catastrophe so you can evacuate your homequickly pet. “What's goodforus is good for our Institute (OPEI), the international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine andutility vehicle manufacturers and suppli- ers. “My dog Lucky the TurfMutt is a member ofthe family, so we have a plan for keeping him safe in the event of an emergency, and we encourage all pet parentsto do the same.” By having all this in place, you can immediately put your pet preparedness plan into action when you know storm is cominginstead of spending valuable time trying to determine what needs to be doneto best protect yourpet. Learn More Forfacts, tips and fun activities for families from Lucky the TurfMutt, visit www.TurfMutt.com.
