By Aiden Greco, Red Cross of Colorado Public Affairs
At the American Red Cross, safety and preparedness for you and your loved ones are always a top priority. But what are you supposed to do for your furry friends when disaster strikes? June is National Pet Preparedness Month and we wanted to help you keep your pets safe and healthy in the event of a disaster.
Follow the top 3 pet safety tips!
1.
Remember, if it is not safe for you in your home, it is not safe for them either! Like humans, our furry friends can not breathe in smoke from a fire, water from a flood, and endure extreme temperatures. Create an evacuation plan that includes your pets.
2.
Many shelters and hotels do not allow pets, so find out which shelters fit your needs! Keep a list on your phone, in your disaster kit or in your head of which places allow and can help take care of your pet.
3.
Be sure to include supplies for your pet in your first aid kit! Add common pet items such as a leash, baggies and even a toy to help with stressed pets.
Download the Pet First Aid App!
Find critical first aid information for your pets on your phone! Download it from the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon Marketplace.
Take the course!
Take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course on your desktop or tablet. It takes approximately 30 minutes to complete this course. The information in this course includes step-by-step instructions and visual aids for what to do if a pet is choking, wounded, needs CPR or has a seizure. It also includes information on preventative care and other tips for a pet’s health.
