As I write this we are experiencing our second or third day of intermittent rainfall, which in and of itself is good news, given the drought conditions of the last several years. However, the forecast is for more rain, including the possibility of significant flooding over the entire region. Yosemite Valley has been evacuated, and roads leading into the park are closed to the general public. In two or three weeks we will be able to look back on this period and judge whether we were prepared, and we hope we won’t have to use the term “disaster” to describe what is coming at us.

So, disaster preparedness is our topic, especially as it applies to our dogs and cats, with the hope that the information will be helpful in the future, and that you will be prompted to further explore this question as it applies to your particular situation. The information contained here is taken largely from a publication of the Humane Society of the United States, which gives guidance for a disaster preparedness kit, as follows:

• Food and water to last for at least five days
  
  
• Medications and medical records, and a first-aid kit
  
  
• Cat litter box
  
  
• Leashes or harnesses, a pet carrier if necessary; collar with identification information
  
  
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) to help others identify them if necessary
  
  
• Written information about your pets’ feeding schedules; telephone number of veterinarian
  
  
• Miscellaneous items such as paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items, etc.

For additional resources visit: HumaneSociety.org/disaster.

In the news recently was information from an animal shelter in at least one Bay Area community that was overrun by stray dogs that were victims of the storm’s effects, namely wind and flood conditions. Dogs got lost or pet owners lost track of their dogs. In any case, the shelter was at capacity and depending on volunteers and temporary foster placements for dogs and cats until they were reunited with their human companions.

What would we do locally if faced with these conditions? What would you do? It seems obvious that a community effort would be required, with one or more agencies coordinating such activities as emergency shelters, foster placements, and so forth. Perhaps the groundwork has already been laid for rapid implementation should weather or other disaster conditions arise. We should take a look and determine what we are ready to do. This is a story that is bound to be continued.

As usual, thanks for your support of Northside Pet Connection.

More information can be found on our website: npconnections.org. 

Article by Tom Grave, NPC President