May 4–10 is National Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. From wildfires to snowstorms – and even floods, Alberta has no shortage of events that require proper planning. Ensuring you’re prepared to protect the safety of both your family and the animals in your care is an important step for every Albertan. Here are seven tips to help you prepare before an emergency happens.
Tip 1: Have a plan in place
Whether you have small pets or care for large groups of livestock, being proactive before an emergency happens can save lives. The Government of Alberta has created helpful checklists for both farm animals and pets to ensure caregivers are prepared.
When creating your emergency preparation plan, identify muster points and create emergency exit maps for external buildings such as barns or sheds. Consider the most likely hazards for you and your animals, such as grassfires, floods, or hazardous waste spills. Research your municipality’s emergency plans as they may have special procedures in place for pets or livestock. Register your farm animals with the Government of Alberta’s Premised Identification Program.
In the event you need to evacuate without your animals, ensure they are not tethered or confined, have appropriate food and water, and your structures are marked for rescuers.
Tip 2: Create your emergency kit
When an emergency strikes, you need to be ready to evacuate quickly and safely with your animals. Preparing an emergency kit will speed up evacuation while ensuring your animals have what they need to stay safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Your kit should have the following:
- Sturdy carrier or kennel with your pet’s name and your contact information
- Food and water (and dishes)
- Medication and first aid kit
- Copy of your animal’s medical records and vaccinations
- Extra leashes, harnesses, ropes, halters and collars
- For pets, toys, blankets, litter trays and bedding
Many emergency guidelines suggest preparing enough supplies for 72 hours. However, as animal supplies may be more difficult to access, prepare supplies for up to two weeks when possible.
Tip 3: Ensure you have reliable, safe transport
Transportation is a crucial part of evacuation and having a reliable means of moving animals out of harm’s way is necessary for all caregivers. If possible, practice loading livestock into trailers and ensure small pets are comfortable in carriers. This can save time and alleviate stress during critical situations. Also consider space and capacity. Will you be able to fit all humans and animals, as well as emergency kits in your transportation?
Tip 4: Arrange emergency caregivers
When an emergency happens, you may be required to stay in hotels or other temporary shelter where animals may not be permitted. Having an emergency caregiver for your animals can relieve stress and ensure they receive proper care and attention. Provide all relevant details, such as specific medical needs, alongside extra food and medication to the caregivers ahead of time so they are confident they can provide proper care for your animals.
Tip 5: Prepare proper documentation and identification
In the event you become separated from your animals, proper documentation and identification can be essential for reunification. Alongside proper physical information on animals (such as collars and ID tags), microchipping or tattooing pets can help rescuers or with identification. Digitizing veterinary records, ownership documentation, and photos ensures important information is easily accessible and safe from physical destruction. Update this information regularly. Mark your house with signage, such as our “Pets Live Here” stickers found at all Make Space Storage locations in Alberta, with pet information and your contact details to help alert potential rescuers in an emergency.
Tip 6: Practice your emergency plan
Having a plan is important—but practicing it is what makes it effective. Run through your evacuation steps ahead of time so everyone in your household knows their role.
Practice loading animals, gathering your emergency kit, and exiting your property safely. Even a short rehearsal can reveal gaps in your plan and help reduce confusion and stress during a real emergency.
This National Preparedness Week, take some time to ensure your animals are incorporated into your emergency plans. Consider their unique needs and update your supplies, transportation plans, and contact information regularly. Emergencies can happen with little warning, but preparation can make all the difference in keeping both people and animals safe. By taking a few simple steps today, you can help ensure your animals are protected when it matters most.