National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day is May 8, a time to remind all pet owners they should prepare for the furry friends as well as the family.

Earthwise in South Lake Tahoe is celebrating the day with Tahoe Paws, Pet Evac Pak, and South Lake Tahoe Fire Rescue at the store from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

There will special sales and a raffle as well as important information on how to prepare for disasters with pets.

Disasters can be many things, but in the Sierra, it is normally wildfire that we need to prepare for. Regardless of your geographic location, there are steps that can be taken to be prepared should an emergency arise.

Helpful tips from One of a Kind Pet Rescue:

Pets are like our children in that they rely on us for protection and safety. In an emergency, they will look to us for direction and security. The following is a list of protocols to follow to ensure your pets are safe during a crisis.

Keep a backpack with food and medications readily available in case you need to leave in a hurry. The contents of the bag can be easily rotated to ensure freshness. Include leashes and collars if necessary, though collars with tags should always be kept on your pets. Don’t forget bottled water, lightweight and collapsible dishes, flashlights, and blankets. Also, bring photocopies of your pet’s health records since shelters and kennels will require these records.

Place a rescue alert sticker on your home near the front and rear doors to alert first responders of the number of pets inside. Should you safely exit your home with your pets in the time of an emergency, be sure to mark your stickers “EVACUATED” if time allows.

Establish a safe zone for your pets in the event of an evacuation. This may include local hotels that allow pets, friends, or family members willing to foster them, or a shelter that has foster opportunities available. You should also include a list of boarding kennels and their phone numbers.

As always, be sure to keep an adequate amount of food and supplies on hand for your pets. Should the emergency be a personal health crisis, make sure your pets’ foods are of ample supply for the person feeding them in your absence. Litter, waste bags, and medications should also be supplied.

Check-in at Earthwise for more assistance on planning for disasters with pets. They are located in The Crossing at Tahoe Valley, 2060 Lake Tahoe Blvd.