As we saw last month, serious emergencies, possibly leading to disasters, can happen anywhere - even here in our usually peaceful community.  While hoping that nothing even remotely resembling anything like this ever happens again, still it's vital to be as well- prepared as we possibly can (if only for peace of mind).

Knowing that our household animals depend so much on us for their needs, many animal welfare groups maintain websites on the Internet with information on disaster preparedness for animals.

It is so important to be prepared, "just in case..."!  Here's a list of some basics to be sure to keep on hand, for local families with animals:

1.  For each of your animals, be sure to have sturdy carriers, leashes, and harnesses -- kept in easy-to-access places, preferably near the doors of your home, in case you have to evacuate.  (Those of us who had to rush out of our homes in a hurry last month, saw the absolute need for this, firsthand!)

2.  Plenty of bottled water.

3.  Lots of canned and dry foods.

4.  Manual can openers.

5.  A first-aid kit.

6.  An animal first-aid book.

7.   If your animal(s) need special medications, have an extra supply on hand.

8.  Your animals' medical records, stored in a waterproof container.

9.  Disposables:   plates, bowls and utensils, litter pans (such as inexpensive aluminum  pans), cat litter, paper towels.

10.  Collars, tags, leg bands (for birds) with your animal's name, plus your name, address  and phone number (or consider microchipping).
 
11.  Current photos and descriptions of your animals (in case you get separated).

12.  Flashlights and plenty of batteries.