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What Would You Do in a Natural Disaster?

In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast, I dive into the essentials of disaster preparedness for pets. The post What Would You Do in a Natural Disaster? first appeared on Manners For Mutts – Family & Puppy Positive Dog Training.

Have you ever thought about what you’d do if disaster struck and you were evacuating with pets?

It’s a scary thought, but being prepared can make all the difference. Living in a wildfire-prone area has opened my eyes to just how important it is to have a pet disaster kit and plan in place.

In this episode of The Well-Mannered Mutt Podcast, I dive into the essentials of disaster preparedness for pets. From assembling a well-stocked pet disaster kit to crafting a foolproof evacuation plan, I cover everything you need to know to keep your furry family members safe.

What you’ll learn:
  • Why disaster preparedness for pets is a must – Discover why planning ahead can save your pet’s life during emergencies.
  • The essentials of a pet disaster kit – What should you pack to ensure your pet’s comfort, safety, and health?
  • evacuating with pets: What you need to know – Learn the key steps to create a plan that works for you and your pets.
  • Keeping pets calm under pressure – Find out how to soothe anxiety while evacuating with pets.
  • Helping pets adjust post-disaster – What should you do to help your pets settle back into normal life?

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you prepare for the unexpected and protect your furry friends if you’re ever evacuating with pets.

Tune in now for everything you need to know about disaster preparedness for pets, learn how to build the ultimate pet disaster kit, create a solid plan for evacuating with pets, and gain peace of mind knowing you’re ready for anything!

Thank you for taking the time to help your dog become a more well-mannered mutt! Be sure to tune in to all the episodes to receive more training tips, canine wellness advice and fun activities for dogs and their owners!

If you have questions about today’s episode, or if there’s a topic you want to learn more about, come connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @mannersformutts. If you enjoyed this podcast, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a review – I’d love to hear what’s been helpful for you and your canine friends. Talk to you next time!

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Connect with Staci Lemke:

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:

Staci Lemke 00:00:00  So I live in Orange County, Southern California, about two hours south of Los Angeles. And for anybody who doesn’t know, we have been fighting wildfires for quite a while now. I’m lucky because I’m safe and I haven’t been affected by the devastation, but the situation has got me thinking about what I’d do if I were in the same position as the people in Los Angeles, and I had to evacuate with my animals, which means two dogs and a cat, what would I take? How would I prepare? Where would I go? So in this episode of the Well-mannered Mutt podcast, I’m going to help you become well informed and well prepared in case a disaster strikes where you live and you have to evacuate with your pets. Welcome to the Well-mannered Mutt podcast. I’m Stacy Lemke, certified professional dog trainer, registered veterinary technician, and proud owner of Manners For Mutts Dog Training. With over 20 years of experience, I’ve helped countless dog owners just like you build stronger, happier relationships with their furry friends from private lessons to online courses.
Staci Lemke 00:01:06  I’m here to help make life with your dog easier and more rewarding. I believe in training that is kind, fun, and scientifically proven. Positive reinforcement is at the core of everything I do, because it’s the most effective way to teach your dog while strengthening your bond. Whether you’re tackling basic training, solving behavior challenges, or just looking for tips to keep your pup thriving, you’re in the right place. So let’s dive into today’s episode and take the first step toward having the well-mannered mutt you’ve always dreamed of. Just like you, I consider my dogs and cats to be crucial members of my family, and they rely on me to take care of them and keep them safe. So I have a moral obligation to do whatever I can to keep my pet safe in case of a natural disaster. Natural disasters come in many shapes and sizes hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, floods, earthquakes and blizzards, just to name a few. Sometimes you’ll have days of warning before a natural disaster hits like a hurricane or an impending blizzard barreling toward your location.
Staci Lemke 00:02:14  In this case, you can take a few days to prepare to either shelter in place or to evacuate. However, natural disasters such as tornadoes and wildfires can happen at a moment’s notice, requiring you to act right then and there in the moment, without time to think, let alone grab your shoes and your car keys. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, most emergency facilities evacuation and rescue transportation options did not have accommodations for people evacuating with pets, forcing people to make heart wrenching decisions for their beloved companions. Should they save themselves or remain with their pets? The country was inundated on social media with pictures of abandoned pets quivering on rooftops, hiding in attics or swimming in infested waters. After that, no one wanted to see pets suffer again, as they did during Katrina, and something had to change. On September 22nd, 2005. The Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act. Pets was introduced and signed into law in October of 2006. The Pets act requires FEMA, which is the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to ensure that state and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals prior to, during, and following a major disaster or emergency.
Staci Lemke 00:03:42  A few states have also included requirements for zoo animals, wildlife, and livestock. Be sure to know what your state’s regulations are with the Los Angeles wildfires on the news and in the minds of people around the country. Now is a great time to discuss creating a disaster preparedness plan for you and your pets. Have an evacuation plan in place prior to a disaster and practice putting it into place. Because some disasters occur with little to no warning and conditions can change rapidly. It’s critical to know your plan before disaster strikes. So first, let’s pack an emergency kit for our pets. You’re going to need food and water. Pack at least 3 to 7 days worth of dog food in an airtight container and bottled water. Don’t forget to include bowls. You’ll need medication and veterinary records. Include a week supply of any necessary medications, along with vaccination records and veterinary contact information. You’ll need identification. Ensure that your dog wears a collar with updated ID tags and that their microchip information is current. Have durable equipment ready for safe transport.
Staci Lemke 00:04:56  Leashes, harnesses, crates whatever you need to move your dog around and keep them safe. You can include some comfort items such as toys, a blanket, or an item with familiar scent. You’ll also want to have a first aid kit, which should include bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, and other essentials for minor injuries. You’ll need sanitation supplies, so you’re going to want to pack poop bags, disinfectant wipes, maybe some disposable gloves or paper towels. And a recent photo. Keep pictures of your dog in case you get separated. Pictures of you and your pets together can also act as proof of ownership. Next, let’s create an evacuation plan. You’re going to want to identify pet friendly evacuation options near you. Things such as shelters, research local emergency shelters and see if they accept pets. Hotels. Find pet friendly hotels along potential evacuation routes. Boarding facilities identify nearby kennels or pet boarding facilities. Friends or family arrange temporary housing with someone that you trust. Map out your evacuation routes. You want to have primary and secondary routes, so plan multiple routes in case of road closures.
Staci Lemke 00:06:10  Safe stops identify safe places to stop for breaks and transportation. Ensure that your vehicle accommodates your pets, crate and supplies. You got a puppy dreaming of fuzzy snuggles and sweet puppy breath, but instead you and all your possessions are full of teeth marks. Sound familiar? What if I told you raising a puppy doesn’t have to be like this? Join me in my online course. Help! My puppy is biting me to get step by step instructions on how to teach your puppy what’s appropriate to bite and chew on and save your hands and arms. Don’t sacrifice another pair of your favorite shoes. Go to manners for mutts. Backslash. Puppy biting. To sign up now. Next, practice your evacuation plan. Let’s start with crate training. Getting your pet comfortable with their carrier or crate. And this is a great time to revisit crate training. If it’s been a while for your dog, as some shelters and emergency facilities won’t allow dogs if they can’t settle nicely in a crate. Rehearse, practice loading pets, supplies and family into your vehicle and familiarize your pet with riding in the car and the sensation of traveling when you’re in the midst of a natural disaster.
Staci Lemke 00:07:32  Stay informed by keeping up with local reports. Monitor emergency alerts in your area. Know the evacuation plan for your neighborhood, including designated routes and shelters. You want to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. If you do have to evacuate. Use a leash or carrier at all times to prevent your dog from running away in a stressful situation. Once you get into an evacuation center, it’s important to keep your dog calm and relaxed. First, try to stay calm yourself. Dogs are masters at picking up on our feelings. If you are distressed, your dog’s going to know if you can place your dog in a quiet area away from loud noises or overwhelming activity. Offer distractions like chew items or toys to keep them busy. Monitor your dog’s body language. Watch for signs of extreme stress, such as excessive panting, drooling, or whining. It’s okay to reassure your dog with gentle words and petting. You can also use calming products like pheromone sprays or CBD as much as you can. Stick to regular feeding and potty schedules.
Staci Lemke 00:08:38  Also, if you can take your dog for regular walks to reduce anxiety and maintain the routine while in the center, comply with any pet policies in place. Keep your dog leash or crated at all times unless directed otherwise. Only allow your dog in designated pet areas. Prevent barking or disruptive behavior. Again, this is where it can really help to have a dog that will calmly settle in a crate. Clean up after your dog immediately and inform the staff about any special needs or behavior your dog has, and avoid leaving your dog unattended for long periods. Once the disaster has resolved and you are allowed to go back home, there may be an adjustment period that your dog goes through. So how can we help our dogs recover? Post Evacuation. Address any environmental changes. If your home environment has changed, either due to damage or a new layout, you’re going to need to help your dog adjust gradually. Reintroduce familiar surroundings. Allow your dog to explore the home and re-establish familiarity. Re-establish routines. So stick to regular feeding, walking, and sleeping schedules to provide a sense of normalcy.
Staci Lemke 00:09:48  Provide a safe place. Set up a quiet area with their favorite toys, blankets, or bedding where they can relax. Watch for behavioral changes. Be alert to signs of stress or anxiety, such as pacing, excessive barking, or changes in appetite. Gradual exposure avoid overwhelming your dog with too many activities or people immediately following your return and offer extra comfort. Spend quality time with your dog, offering reassurance through affection and play. Consult your veterinarian if your dog exhibits prolonged stress or health concerns. No one wants to think about having to leave their home in an emergency or worse yet, having to leave their pets behind. The number one reason pets get left behind during disasters is a lack of preparation. So I have created a disaster preparedness plan that you can download and use to help you put together your own evacuation plan. That’ll be in the show notes for you. So let’s prepare. Let’s be ready. And let’s hope we never need to act on our plan. Thank you for joining me today and taking the time to help your dog become a more well mannered mutt.
Staci Lemke 00:10:59  If you’ve got questions about today’s episode or an idea for a topic you’d love to hear about. Let’s connect. You can find me on Facebook and Instagram @mannersformutts. Also, be sure to visit www.mannersformutts.com for links, resources, and more. If this episode helped you and your pup, I’d be thrilled if you left a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps me create even more content to support you and your furry friend. Talk to you next time.

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