Emergency Preparedness

On Thursday, 15 April 2010, Northern Utah experienced a 4.9 earthquake that startled many of its residents. Salt Lake City, in fact lays on one of the world's oldest fault lines. Seismologists have determined that earthquakes generally occur in Utah once every 350 years. And since the last big earthquake was over 400 years ago, 'the big one' can happen at any time.

Furthermore, Seismologists believe that since Salt Lake City has not received any activity over the last few hundred years that it may be next in line for a large earthquake reaching a magnitude of 7.5 or higher.

Raising Awareness

The Utah Emergency Animal Response Coalition (UEARC) is helping to raise pet owners' awareness of how best to handle their pets during the event of a natural disaster.

"The number one thing that is a surprise to most people is their animals will react to a stressful situation just like people do. And animals frequently don't behave the way that they normally would in a normal environment," explained President of UEARC Warren Hess.

The UEARC wants pet owners to be as best prepared as possible with a plan for themselves and for their pets should a natural disaster occur.

"If they're not ready in a disaster to take care of their animals, they won't evacuate or they won't follow directions that our emergency people are asking them to do. So we're trying to get ready to help them do that," Hess said.

UEARC have set up a web site for pet owners to know what to do in case of earthquakes, floods, or fires.

ASPCA

However, Utah is not the only state in the USA that is on a fault line. Just last week an earthquake hit the earthquake-prone state of California. It is therefore very important to have a plan set up prior to an earthquake or natural disaster occurring in your neighborhood.

The biggest resource nationally is the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or ASPCA. They have set up a web page that details tips and suggestions to help you and your pet prepare for and survive an emergency situation.

Do you know what to do for your pets when a disaster occurs? Since any disaster can strike at any time it is crucial to be as best prepared as possible, as this will enable you to not only save your own life but also the lives of your cats, dogs and other pets.

Emergency Checklist

* One of the easiest steps you can take to ensure your pet's safety is to position a sticker on the inside of your front window. This 'Rescue Alert Sticker' should have the words 'Animals Inside' clearly written on it. This sticker will be able to alert rescuers that you have pets inside your home, in case of an emergency when you are not home.

* You should keep your pets' carriers and leashes easily accessible at all times. Also remember to clean them out at least once a week so that they are ready to use in an emergency.

* If your street participates in a neighborhood watch, you should suggest that every household create an emergency plan that includes their pets. A good idea is to design a laminated card that has your family's contact information clearly displayed. Don't forget to include the following information as well:

1. All phone numbers where you can be reached
2. Phone numbers of nearest immediate relatives
3. The number of pets living in your home
4. Their species; i.e. cat, dog etc
5. Where they sleep inside your home or where their cage is kept
6. Your pets names and how they can be called, e.g. by whistling
7. Any pertinent medical information about your pets

* Make sure you have an emergency preparedness kit already put together that includes food, medications, blankets and toys for your pets and yourself.

Photo Credit: Lisa