Pets and animals are impacted by emergencies. It is critical to include their needs in your family’s preparedness efforts. Some of the things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit for yourself, your family and your pets, is the same regardless of the type of emergency. Always remember that any first aid administered to your pet should be followed by immediate veterinary care. First aid care is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life until it receives veterinary treatment.
Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies
Makes Sense. Get Ready Now.
Your Family Emergency Plan should outline what you will do with your pets if you have to evacuate. Since you will not know how long you will be gone, you must take your pets with you. When you go, they go! If you are going to a public shelter, pets may not be allowed, so it is important to plan where you will go in advance.
Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about emergency planning. Discuss the types of things you should include
in your pet’s emergency first aid kit. Get the names of vets or veterinary hospitals in other cities where you might
need to seek temporary shelter. Also talk with your veterinarian about microchipping. If you and your pet are
separated, this permanent implant for your pet and corresponding enrollment in a recovery database can help a
veterinarian or shelter identify your animal. If your pet is microchipped, keeping your emergency contact informa-
tion up to date and listed with a reliable recovery database is essential to you and your pet being reunited.
8 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Dog in the Summer
- Never, ever leave your dog in the car;
- Make sure your dog has unlimited access to fresh water;
- Make sure your dog has access to shade when outside;
- Take walks during the cooler hours of the day;
- When walking, try to stay off of hot surfaces (like asphalt) because it can burn your dog's paws;
- If you think it is hot outside, it is even hotter for your pet – make sure your pet has a means of cooling off;
- Keep your dog free of external parasites (fleas, ticks) and heartworms – consult your veterinarian about the best product for your pet;
- Consider clipping or shaving dogs with long coats (talk to your veterinarian first to see if it is appropriate for your pet), and apply sunscreen to your dog's skin if she or he has a thin coat.
Video: Get Prepared with Bo and Sunny
Download Animal Disaster Preparedness Activity Books
Disaster and Emergency Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners
Finding A Local Pet-Friendly Evacuation Center It is Scary Simple
Get Prepared with Bo and Sunny
Keep Pets Safe During Winter Storms
Measure Pet Body for Life Jacket Sizing Guide
Prepare for Emergencies Now Information for Pet Owners
Prepare for Emergencies Now Information for Pet Owners - Spanish
Prepare for Emergencies Now Information for Pet Owners Fact Sheet
Prepare for Emergencies Now Information for Pet Owners Fact Sheet - Spanish
Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness
Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness - Spanish
Tornado | Rain and Floods | Earthquakes | Lightning | Volcanoes | Winter Storm
EPAP for Patients - phe.gov
The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally-identified disaster area who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. This program helps people and communities better cope with a disaster and reduces stress on the healthcare system.
People who are eligible for EPAP can file a claim at more than 72,000 retail pharmacies across the United States and its territories for prescription items that were lost, stolen, or destroyed because of a disaster.
If you have questions about using EPAP during a disaster, call the EPAP Hotline at 1-855-793-7470.
Read More
Extra Measures for People with Special Needs
- Write down your specific needs, limitations, capabilities, and medications. Keep this list near you always–perhaps in your purse or wallet.
- Find someone nearby (a spouse, roommate, friend, neighbor, relative, or co-worker) who will agree to assist you in case of an emergency. Give him or her a copy of your list. You may also want to provide a spare key to your home, or directions to find a key.
- Keep aware of weather conditions through whatever means are accessible to you. Some options are closed captioning or scrolled warnings on TV, radio bulletins, or call-in weather information lines.
Disaster Safety Plans
Download Emergency Preparedness Checklist
A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.
Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find, and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items, consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets, or seniors.
Checklist on Emergency Preparedness
A Family Communication Plan
A Family Communication Plan - Spanish Version
All-Hazards Preparedness Guide
Backpack Emergency Card
Backpack Emergency Card - Spanish Version
Emergency Kit Checklist
Emergency Kit Checklist - Spanish Version
Family Communication Plan Template
Pet Emergency Kit
Pet Emergency Kit - Spanish Version
Additional Emergency Supplies
Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:
- Prescription medications
- Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
- Glasses and contact lenses solution
- Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream
- Pet food and extra water for your pet
- Cash or traveler's checks
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
- Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
- Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper to disinfect water
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Maintaining Your Kit
After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:
- Keep canned food in a cool, dry place
- Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers
- Replace expired items as needed
- Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.
Kit Storage Locations
Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and vehicles.
- Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
- Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
- Vehicle: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.
Public Downloads
All items are free to view, share, and download.
Public Downloads - Español (Spanish)
When available, we provide all our content with a Spanish version in our public download section. You can find additional material from sources listed in all our articles.
Download Personal Forms
An Official Individual State List for Vital Records
Blood Pressure and Glucose Tracker
Business Trip Checklist
California Advance Health Care Directive Form
California Do Not Resuscitate Form
California General Durable Power of Attorney Form
California Last Will and Testament Form
College Comparison Tracker
Emergency Contact Form
Emergency-Contact Form
Expense Journal
Family Emergency Plan
Gas Mileage Tracker
Generic Authorization Medical Release Form
Grocery List
Home Inventory
Home Inventory Checklist HOT
Household Organizer
Partner Weight Tracker
Personal Inventory
Personal Inventory
Project Task List
Vacation Packing List
Vacation Packing List
Download Organ Donation Content
Organ Donation and Transplantation How Does It Work English
Organ Donation and Transplantation How Does It Work Spanish
The Gift of Life for Families Everywhere (Spanish and English) Brochure
Transplantation System Infographic
What You Need to Know About Donation
Download People with Special Needs Preparedness Planning Steps, Activities and Videos
American Sign Language - Apply for Disaster Assistance
American Sign Language - How to Register for Disaster Assistance
Earthquake Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs
Earthquake Preparedness Guide for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Spanish
Earthquake Safety Tips for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs
Earthquake Safety Tips for People with Disabilities and Other Access or Functional Needs Spanish
Earthquake Safety Video Preparedness for People with Mobility Disabilities
Emergency Preparedness for Special Needs of People with Disabilities
FEMA Accessible Assisting Applicants with Disabilities and Others with Access and Functional Needs
FEMA Accessible HHS Emergency Prescription Assistance Program
FEMA Accessible Other Needs Assistance
Preparing Makes Sense for People with Disabilities and Other Access and Functional Needs
Presentation for Seniors and People with Disabilities Power Point
We Prepare Everyday - Open Caption and Interpreter Preparedness Video
Download Severe Weather Educational Fact Sheets, Videos, Coloring and Activity Books
5 Weird Disasters in 60 Seconds
8 Tips to Cleanup Mold
8 Tips to Cleanup Mold - Spanish
Be Ready Floods Infographic
Be Ready Floods Infographic - Spanish
Flood Education and Awareness Coloring and Activity Workbook
Flood Hazards A National Threat Fact Sheet
Flood Smart DIY in 5 Steps
Focus on Floods Check Your River Level Fact Sheet
Focus on Floods Have a Plan Fact Sheet
Focus on Floods Sign Up for Flood Alerts Fact Sheet
Focus on Floods Turn Around Dont Drown Fact Sheet
Food and Water Safety During Hurricanes, Power Outages and Floods Fact Sheet
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Floods Coloring and Activity Book
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Hurricanes Coloring and Activity Book
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Lightning Coloring and Activity Book
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Tornadoes Coloring and Activity Book
Owlie Skywarn for Kids Winter Storms Coloring and Activity Book
Owlie SKYWARN Storms Ahead Coloring and Activity Book
Rip Current Safety for Kids
Severe Weather Preparedness
Stay a Float in Flooding Tips to Prepare
Staying Cool in Extreme Heat
What is El Niño - Interview with NWS Miami
What You Need to Know About El Niño - Animated Video
Flood Insurance 101 Part 1
Flood Insurance 101 Part 2
Flood Insurance 101 - FAQ
Flood Insurance Animation
When the Clouds Form - Flood Preparedness Animated Video
Download Ready Wrigley Activity Books
Educational materials in 23 different languages, including American Sign Language (ASL).
Read More
All-Hazards Preparedness Guide
Flooding and Mold Safety Awareness Activity Book
Lead In Water Safety Awareness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Coping After A Disaster Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Earthquake Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Extreme Heat Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Flu Season Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Hurricane Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Tornado Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Winter Weather Preparedness Activity Book
Zika and Mosquito Bites Safety Awareness Activity Book
Zombie Preparedness Graphic Story Book
Download Emergency Preparedness Activities
Adventures of Terry and Gracie Story Book
Be Smart Get Prepared Image
Comic Strip 1 Supply Kit
Comic Strip 2 Family Plan
Comic Strip 3 Weather Preparedness
Escape Grid
Family Communication Plan Template
Hiking and Camping Picture Checklist Emergency Preparedness Kit Image
Hiking and Camping Picture Checklist Emergency Preparedness Kit Image PDF Version
Know Your Alerts and Warnings
Pack It Up Game
Ready Family Supply Checklist 1
Download Emergency Preparedness Activity Books
Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 1
Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 2
Disaster Preparedness Activity Book 3
Disney Emergency Preparedness Activity Book English
Disney Emergency Preparedness Activity Book Spanish
Earthquake Safety Activities for Children and Teachers
Emergency Preparedness Activity Book 11-12-13
Focus on Floods Living Local Activity Worksheets
Focus on Floods Living Local Coloring and Activity Book
Fred The Preparedness Dog Activity Book
Hurricane Awareness Activity Book
Prepare with Pedro Disaster Preparedness Activity Book
Ready Kids Activity Book
Ready Wrigley Hurricanes Activity Book
World Disaster And Emergency Preparedness Activity Guide
Download Emergency Preparedness Coloring Pages
Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book
Disaster Preparedness Earthquake Coloring and Activity Book
Disaster Preparedness Flood and Landslide Coloring Book
Disaster Preparedness Safety Coloring and Story Book
Earthquake Preparedness Coloring Book
Flying and Swimming Animals Living Local Coloring Sheet
Focus on Floods Living Local Coloring Pages
Quakesafe Emergency Preparedness Coloring Book
Download Emergency Preparedness Puzzles
Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 1 Activity Book
Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 2 Activity Book
Disaster Crossword Puzzles Level 3 Activity Book
Disaster Word Search Activity Book
Download Emergency Learning Activities
100-Year Flood It's All About Chance
2-1-1 An Easy-to-remember Three-digit Number to Obtain Free Services and Resources
4 Seasons of Safety Tour
911 Call for Emergency Learning and Safety Activity Book
A First Priority Evacuation Order Checklist
Air Conditioned Shelter Emergency Evacutation or Use of Cooling Centers
Air Filtration - Wildfire Smoke Factsheet - Indoors
All-Hazards Preparedness Guide
Alternatives to N95 Respirators and Understanding the Difference
Child Safety Coloring & Activity Book
Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Home - Everyday Steps and Extra Steps When Someone is Sick
Cloth Face Coverings Questions and Answers
DIY Face Mask Template and Easy and Quick Making a Mask_(Optimized)
Emergency Financial First Aid Kit
Emergency Financial First Aid Kit - Spanish
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area - Spanish
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Infographic
Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment in a Disaster Area Infographic - Spanish
Emergency Safeguarding Your Valuables Facilitator Activity Guide
Emergency Savings Fitness Guide to Your Money and Your Financial Future
FAQ What is a Watch
How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher Training Video
Kids Injury Prevention and Safety Activity Book
National Park Service Definitions for Fire and Wildfire
Parents Prevent Lead Poisoning for Kids Coloring Book
Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness
Saving the Whole Family Animal Disaster Preparedness - Spanish
What You Need to Know About EPAP Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment
What You Need to Know About EPAP Emergency Prescription Assistance Program and Medical Equipment - Spanish
World Disaster And Emergency Preparedness Activity Guide
Danger Rangers
Seven animal heroes called the "Danger Rangers," their robot Fallbot, and their artificial intelligence called SAVO teach children about safety through examples, such as environmental hazards and unsafe places.
Read More: Wikipedia
