(NAPSA)—Thebest wayto protect your family during an emergency situation is to have a disaster plan in place. If you are a pet owner, that plan must include your pets. A little preparation can save theirlives. Nonprofit PetSmart Charities, the leader in pet adoptions and largest funder of animal welfare efforts in North America, urges people to create an emergency preparednessplan specifically for their pets. Start by assembling a pet supply kit. It will take just a few minutes to pull items together now that will make a big difference when disaster strikes. PetSmart Charities suggests including the following items in an easy-tocarry, waterproof container: Your pet’s food, water and medications. Rememberto look at expiration dates and replace these as often as needed to maintain freshness. *Contact information of your veterinarian in the event you have to foster or board yourpet. * Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions and any behavioral problems in case your pet has to temporarily stay somewhere away from you. *Current photos of your pet with your contact information in case heor shegetslost. Easily transportable pet beds, a portable water bowl and a favorite toy to reduce your pet’s stress. Some other helpful guidelines include:* *Keep dogs and puppies securely leashed outside your home and whentraveling in thecar. Be prepared to protect your pets in case of an emergency. eAlways transport cats and kittens in carriers. *Don’t leave pets unattended anywhere they mightrunoff. *Contact hotels and motels outside of your area about their pet policies and any restrictions on number,size and species. Ask if a “no pet” policy can be waived in an emergencysituation. Keep this list handy in your supply kit. Even the calmest pets may panic during an emergency and hide or try to bite, scratch or escape, so you might consider having your pets microchipped, to more easily locate them if they arelost. PetSmart Charities also helps pet parents stay informed during emergency situations. Stay con- nected by signing up for e-mail alerts at www.petsmartcharities. org/emergency-relief. Preparing before disaster strikes will help you evacuate with your pets quickly and safely. By following these simple steps, you may just savea life. *Sources: PetSmart Charities, American Red Cross and American Veterinary Medical Association
