photo by ArtChick
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, according to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness , Pets are important members of their families and need to be included in plans developed to prepare for emergencies. Being proactive will reduce stress and worry when decisions need to be made. Before disaster strikes, be aware of safe places that you and your pets can go if asked to evacuate, such as pet-friendly hotels. Consider microchipping pets, and make sure contact information for you and an emergency contact is kept up to date.
Build an emergency supply kit that includes items like food and water, medication and other veterinarian-recommended medical supplies, a leash and collar with ID tag, pet registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container, grooming and sanitation products, favorite toys and treats, and a photo of you and your pet together in case of separation. Keep a lighter kit if evacuated to supplement a larger one to use while sheltering in place, and review and replace items as needed. Additionally, stay informed about current conditions, and bring pets indoors at the first sign of a storm or other disaster. Local emergency management, animal shelter, and animal control offices can be contacted for further information on caring for pets during emergencies.