(I know that this "mud" wasn't a disaster, but this is one of my favorite pictures of Tucker.  And I also know how  blessed we have been  in that we have not had to face a disaster.)



Disaster Plan:  

It seems like every day you hear about another disaster somewhere. There is a lot of information about the importance of having a disaster plan.  Even the Red Cross has a section on pets, now.  Here in Vermont, we don’t usually have extreme weather conditions; however, today we are in a tornado watch box. That has really made me think.  We should all have a plan.

1 - One situation to prepare for - you’re not home when an evacuation is ordered, but your dog still is.  Make arrangements ahead of time with a neighbor who would be willing to evacuate  your dog. Have an emergency kit ready, where it can be found easily.  Try a dry run to make sure that your dog will cooperate. 

2- What should you  put in an emergency kit for your dog?  3-5 days of food and water. (Remember a can opener if you use one.) Vet records, in case you have to board him.  Medicine.

A leash (don’t let your dog run loose until you know that everything is safe).  A bed, blanket, or familiar toy (to reduce stress). 

3- Designate a “safe room” and make sure all family members know where to go.  Keep your emergency kits (for everyone)  accessible and make sure that they can be  moved to this area.  Have a plan for any other pets as well.  (For example, include cat carriers.)  

4- Information access.  All papers should be in a waterproof container.  I kayak, so I have several cases  that would work.  Keep a master copy of the “Lost Dog” poster in here in case you have to evacuate. Make a  special “emergency contact” tag and keep it here.  It should have the phone number of someone outside your area, in case all communication in your area is down.(You can always use duct tape and a permanent marker to write information on your dog’s collar.)



Hopefully, you will never have to use any of this information.  But it always “sensible” to have a plan.

Check out "Our Dog Stuff that's Sensible".

Finding everything your dog needs in one place - "That's Just Plain Sensible".

Tucker Says