Fires remind us to prepare for pet safety as well...

I know I've posted this before but as you know fire season is in full force. For up-to-the-minute updates on the fire CLICK HERE!! It even lists places where you can bring your pets (Hansen Dam comes to mind). The following comes from an ASPCA press release that I received a while back:

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR PETS

What Pet Owners Need to Know in an Emergency

Los Angeles - Disasters strike at any time, don't get caught unprepared. It is now fire season and a major earthquake just hit the Chino Hills area today, only 29 miles away from Los Angeles. When a disaster strikes a community, essential services are often unavailable and precautions should be taken for the entire family including the safety of pets.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) strongly recommends pet owners prepare for an emergency by following simple guidelines to ensure their pet's safety in the event of an urgent situation or natural disaster.

"Pets depend on us for their safety, food, water and more," says Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA President. "With the earthquake that just occurred, it is important to have a disaster plan in place to ensure all members of the family are accounted for properly and it only takes a little advance preparation."

The following are the most important things pet owner can do to prepare their pets for an emergency:

* Make sure there is a supply of canned/dry pet food and bottled water with other emergency provisions including pet prescription and medicine.

* If roads are blocked due to a natural disaster, professional help may not be possible immediately so familiarize yourself and other family members with pet CPR, resuscitation
and general first aid procedures. Your quick action could save your pet's life.

* Try not to display stress and anxiety when dealing with pets. Most animals are very aware of their owner's emotions and can read your stress. This can cause otherwise calm pets to display aggressive behavior.

* After a fire or disaster, check pet structures and favorite hiding places for hazardous debris.

* Ask your local fire department, animal shelter or veterinarian for a "Pet Alert" sign for doors and windows. If none are available, make your own by listing your pets on 3X5 card and display it prominently. This alerts emergency teams there may be pets that need assistance.

* Dogs and cats should wear I.D. tags with current address and/or phone number at all times. This will make it easier for you and your pet to be reunited if separated.

* Keep up-to-date on your pet's vaccinations. Pets may become disoriented and stray, or housed in shelters with other animals, thereby potentially becoming exposed to infectious
diseases.

* Alert local shelters immediately upon discovering that your pet is missing.

For more information, contact spcaLA at 1(888) spcaLA-1 or visit www.spcaLA.com.

I also came across THIS INFORMATION from DOGSTER. I can't stress enough the importance of having an evacuation plan for both you and your pets. ALWAYS KNOW YOUR PET'S FAVORITE HIDING PLACE. I constantly keep up-to-date on new hiding places that my cats love to hang out in.