Planning for emergencies: are you ready

In an emergency situation you may need to move quickly, so it’s important to have a few necessities to hand. Ideally, prepare a small easy-to-carry bag with essentials and store it in an accessible place ready to go. At the very least, have an up-to-date check list for things to put into your emergency grab bag and know where they are. The bag contents will vary depending on your needs but may include:

Essential/prescribed medication, plus asthma and respiratory aids

• hearing aids
• spectacles/contact lenses
• useful phone numbers
• mobile phone and charger
• house and car keys
• money & credit cards
• first aid kit
• basic toiletries for example toothbrush and toothpaste, sanitary towels

Other essential items can vary according to your needs and the weather, but may include:

• food, milk formula, drinks you use, food bowls, sterile bottles, sterilising tablets
• change of clothing
• nappies and wipes
• toys, books and activities

• bottled drinking water
• special food needs
• canned or dried food
• snacks

• warm, wind, and rainproof clothing
• strong shoes for outdoors
• waterproof torch and spare batteries (check regularly)
• radio and spare batteries (check regularly)

You could consider getting wind-up torches and radios.

• copies of insurance documents
• anti-bacterial hand wipes/gel
• blankets and sleeping bags
• toilet paper
• rubbish bags
• thermos flasks
• pet supplies

Things to include in your plan:

• Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
• Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbours, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.

Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get additional advice and information if you're unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.

Just as you do with your family's emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.

Here are some items you may want to include in an emergency kit for your pet:

• Food. Keep several days' supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
• Water. Store a water bowl and several days' supply of water.
• Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
• First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet's emergency medical needs.
• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of your pet's registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.
• Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
• Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.
• Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet's sanitation needs.
• A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
• Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.