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By Annie Parnell It’s the kind of thing that keeps you up at night: what would happen if a storm, fire, or other natural disaster hit your home? Preparing for an emergency is easy to
do with the right materials, and it makes a difference when it matters most. Protect yourself, your family, and your pets and get peace of mind by putting together a simple 72-hour survival kit with these must-have items. Food and Water The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests storing enough nonperishable food[storing enough nonperishable
food] to feed your family for up to two weeks. You’ll also need a manual can opener and
one gallon of water per person per day. For a pet’s survival kit, keep two weeks’ supply
of food and water on hand. Portable Radio A portable hand-crank or battery-powered radio can be a lifeline in an emergency
scenario. Radios provide access to the Emergency Broadcast System and weather reports,
and two-way radios will even allow you to communicate with others in case you need help. Leashes, Crates and Carriers In an emergency, you may need to evacuate your home quickly. Make sure you have a leash, carrier, and/or crate in your survival kit to help you get your animals where you need to go. Keep in mind that carriers should be large enough for your pet to comfortably stand up and turn around. Training your animals to be comfortable in their carriers will keep them calmer during an emergency. Pro tip: to simplify evacuation with your pets, make a list of pet-friendly hotels and
kennels in your area or potential evacuation zones before a disaster strikes. Battery-Operated Flashlight First Aid Kit A first aid kit is an important way to keep people and pets safe during an emergency. Pack extras of any regular medication that anyone may be taking and instructions for pet care in case you need to board your animals on short notice. Also, make a list of important emergency numbers, such as those of medical providers (for you, your kids, and your pets), an after-hours emergency vet, Poison Control, and the National Animal Poison Control Center. Many of the typical items in a first aid kit can also be used to treat pets, but for
a pet's first aid kit, you’ll want to add a muzzle, styptic powder, glucose paste or powder,
and other over-the-counter pet medications at your vet’s approval. Important Documents and Cash In addition to food, water, and safety supplies, keep some cash and copies of important documents in your survival kit. These should include insurance policies, bank account information, IDs, and medical records for your family and pets, as well as pet immunization information. Have some proof of ownership for your pets and pictures of you and your pet together to avoid confusion should you get separated. Keep all these in a sealed waterproof container, so they don’t get damaged by potential flooding. Familiar Items Navigating an emergency with your pet can be very stressful for you both. To minimize
your pet’s anxiety, pack familiar items in your 72-hour survival kit, like your pet’s
bed and favorite toys. A familiar item can make all the difference to help your pets
remain calm. Sanitation Needs Any travel with your pets requires planning ahead for sanitation and bathroom needs,
and a disaster situation is no different. Make sure you’re prepared to provide your pet
with a way to relieve themselves by packing disposable “poop bags,” litter and a litter
box (if appropriate), newspapers, and household bleach in your survival kit.
Backup Collar and Tags Protection – and Peace of Mind A well-stocked 72-hour survival kit can make a world of difference for you and your pets
in an emergency. With these must-have items in your survival kit, you’ll be well prepared
for the worst-case scenario – and able to rest easy knowing you have a game plan. Annie Parnell is a writer, radio host, and audio producer based in Richmond, Virginia. She loves music, pop culture, reading, and all things outdoors.
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