Most of us in Southern California have an emergency supply kit ready. At the start of a new year and at the beginning of summer, I like to check the items to ensure they are adequate for current family needs and to ensure that food and water supplies are fresh.

Your household emergency kit should include the following basic items for pets:

• Food – at least 3 days kept in an airtight/waterproof container
• Water – at least 3 days
• Medicines and supplements kept in a waterproof container
• First Aid Supplies – (Talk with your veterinarian about the specific needs of your pets): 
  • Adhesive Tape
  • Gauze pads and rolls
  • Triangular bandages
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin
  • Q-Tips
  • Thermometer and petroleum jelly
  • Chemical ice pack
  • Latex gloves
• Collar / Id tags / leash / muzzle
• Copies of vaccination and medical records in a plastic bag
• Crates / animal beds / blankets
• Toys
• Litter box / pet litter / bags for waste disposal and supplies for clean up
• Chlorine Bleach (not laundry bleach which can contain added cleaners): 9 parts water to 1 part bleach for disinfecting and 16 drops bleach to 1 gallon water to purify water.

Create an emergency plan for evacuation and include a designated person to gather the pets. Add this basic list of pet items to your supplies and you will be better prepared in the event of an emergency.  Click on the link to view FEMA's video for pet owners.

FEMA Video for Emergency Preparedness