Do You Have a Family Emergency Plan for a Fire or Other Catastrophe? What Do You Do With Your Pet?

I think the awful way people's beloved pets were treated in New Orleans during Katrina is what really set off the changes to shelter rules that said no pets, and the fact that many people refused to evacuate since they couldn't take their pets, caused them to FINALLY realize that pets are as important to people as their children.

Hello Don. You have given me something to think about. Good information.

I just read today in the paper that a dog in my town died in a house fire of smoke inhalation. It's sad and it's certainly something to think about although, I don't know for sure that mine would listen so well. She might get nervous and start running in every direction and she's a big, strong dog.

This should be something that all pet owners at least consider.  We have a plan, but it might be too complicated to execute in a fire.  We just pray and hope that EVERYONE gets out alive.

Pets are so important.. i could never chose and then go on after. EVERYONE needs to be rescued.. 

Hi Don,

I have 2 dogs and a cat and it is always a concern if something happened.  My golden is older now and can't get around as fast as before, so I really need to be on the alert if something happens.  I do have a notice on my front door that animals do live inside, not sure that will be a real big help, but at least it is a notice.

Several years ago our house was threatened by an out of control wildfire. My husband and daughter couldn't get home because they closed the roads up to our area. I grabbed enough clothes for everyone for several days, and a few other important things...loaded that into the trunk of my Honda. I was wishing Dan had taken the Honda fishing and left the truck with me. I left the back and front seats open for the dogs and the pet carriers that would hold the cats. Then I waited by the phone for the reverse 911 call. Thank goodness it never came. But that situation years ago made me really think about what I would do.

Don- came over from Suzanne's reblog.  You make a very good point.  We make plans for our family but we need to remember our 4-legged family members.  In Florida, in the event of a hurricane evacuation, pets are not allowed in the Red Cross shelters so families must make plans early.  When we had just moved to VA we experienced a string of tornadoes in the area.  My dog was blind so rather than wait until a tornado was upon us, I put the leash on her and walked her into the basement.  No tornado hit us but I'm glad I took the precaution with her. 

Planning for their safety is just as important as planning for your own family's safety route out of a fire ot any disaster.  Most people forget about their pets when disaster strikes.  I hope they learn from your post!

I really have given some thought to this.  And, everyone else should at least consider what their alternatives are.

Don, this is very important to think about. Our house is one story except for the bonus room, so we could always get out a window. Otto is so obedient that I can't imagine he wouldn't follow me in an emergency. In fact, I think he would run to me.

Sharon

Don, one important reason for this contest is to provide resources but another is to share areas of concern that there may not be resources for and therefore cause us to really think.  You have succeeded in doing that.  The time to try and figure out how to save your pets is not DURING the crisis.  It's amazing how just a little forethought can make a big difference.  Thank you so much for bringing up a really important topic.

My sister in law lost her home in a fire 10 months ago along with 5 pets.  It's hearbreaking.    We have no children left living at home now, so we have practiced getting our pets out during a fire.  We also got them all to the safe zone with us during a tornado last year. 

Don -- Great awareness post. Our pets are part of our family. As such, your advice to plan for disaster is well taken. There should also be stickers on windows or doors in case there is a fire and no one is home so emergency personnel know how many pets are in the house.  They have no way of knowing otherwise.

Don, I believe that there are some local organizations who can offer you stickers to put in your windows, telling firefighters and emergency people how many pets you have. We have them prominently displayed in a front window facing the street at ground level.

Also, most animals are the FIRST to sense trouble and let THEIR OWNERS KNOW, which has often saved lives!!!

Let me show you what I'm talking about: (indoor and outdoor photos)

Outdoor with screened window right by front door below:

It's easily removable and sticks on any window easily. You do it from the inside.