Los Angeles, CA — Forecasters are issuing a warning to Los Angeles and Ventura County residents of dangerous weather that will bring extreme wind gusts. The event is forecasted to begin Tuesday afternoon, and all residents are urged to take precautions in anticipation of power outages and the potential for fast-moving and erratic fires. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) urges people to prepare pets as they ready family members for an emergency.
Prepare:
- Make a plan.
- Bring pets inside.
- Make sure pets wear proper identification and are microchipped with current registration.
- Familiarize yourself with pet CPR, resuscitation, and general first aid. If roads are blocked, emergency services may not be available.
- Keep your pets current on vaccines. During a disaster, your pets may get lost or may be housed in a shelter with other animals, thereby potentially being exposed to infectious diseases.
- Entrust a neighbor or friend to get your pets to safety, in case you are at work when a disaster strikes.
- Display a Pet Alert sign in doors and windows, so responders know there are animals on the premises.
Make a kit that includes:
- Current photos of your pets, copies of vaccination records & veterinarian’s contact info.
- Collars, leashes & carriers for your pets.
- Supply of pet food & bottled water (plus bowls & can openers).
- Pet first aid kit.
- Soft muzzle.
- Disposable baggies for dogs and/or cat litter, scooper & temporary litter box (like a disposable aluminum foil pan) for cats.
- Animal Evacuated sign (to alert responders that your animals are safely evacuated)
During a disaster, try to stay calm. If you display anxiety and stress, your pets will detect it. Stay safe, and remember: preparation saves lives.