Learning from Maui’s Tragedy: Getting Prepared for Emergencies

We stand in solidarity with the people of Maui during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to those affected by the fires, including the furry members of families who have lost their homes.

In the wake of the devastating fire tragedy that swept through Lahaina and parts of Maui last month, a clear and strong reminder comes to light of the importance of being prepared to safeguard not only ourselves but also our beloved pets. As the flames raged and the communities tried to protect life and property, countless animals found themselves caught in the chaos. The events on Maui highlight pet vulnerability in crises and should prompt a reevaluation of our preparedness to ensure their safety and well-being during disasters.

As we learned from Maui, emergencies can strike unexpectedly, leaving us with little to no time to react and ensure the safety of our loved ones. This draws attention to the importance of a comprehensive emergency plan that includes our pets.

Ensuring your pet has accurate identification and microchipping is of the utmost importance, particularly during moments of emergencies. These measures provide a safety net that can significantly increase the likelihood of a happy reunion if your furry friend goes missing or is involved in an unforeseen situation. An ID tag with your contact information on your pet’s collar ensures that anyone who finds your pet can easily reach out to you, speeding up the process of getting them home. Additionally, microchipping offers an even more reliable method of identification, as it’s a permanent form of tagging that links your pet to a unique identification number stored in a national database. Collars can be lost or removed, but a microchip remains a reliable backup, greatly enhancing the chances of a swift reunion. Take a moment to ensure the information attached to your pet’s microchip is up to date with current contact information. If you don’t know who your microchip is registered with, take your pet to any Humane Society or your vet to have it scanned, so you know who to contact. Having proper ID and microchipping for your pet can provide invaluable peace of mind and a higher chance of a positive outcome.

Make an emergency kit for each of your pets. This kit should include everything on the list below: 

• 5- to 7-day supply of bottled water and your pet’s food, stored in a waterproof container
• Food and water bowls
• Medications, veterinary/medical records and your veterinarian’s contact information
• First Aid Kit for Pets
• Extra leash and harness/collar
• Flashlight and batteries
• Potty bags
• Current photos and description of pets
• Blanket, favorite toys, bed, and other items to give them comfort
• Litter, litterbox and scoop if you have cats

Most of us already have numerous pictures of our pets on our phone, but phones die if they can’t be charged, which is a possibility in an emergency situation. So, be sure to put actual printed pictures in your emergency kit along with printed versions of their medical/vaccination records, and keep these items stored in a Ziploc bag so they don’t get ruined should your emergency kit get wet. Keep your emergency kit someplace where you can get to it fast in the event you have to evacuate quickly.

Check your emergency kit regularly to make sure food and treats are still fresh and haven’t expired. The same thing applies to the items in your first aid kit for your pets, as some items and medications may also have an expiration date and need to be replaced.

Research and make a list of known evacuation shelters that accept pets so you know where to go should the need arise. If you have friends or family who are willing to care for your pets for you (and they are in a safe zone), have their contact information ready and a plan in place. These are all things to look into and set up now, as there won’t be time when an emergency strikes. Animal Disaster Services – Yavapai County is an excellent resource for emergency information.

Please do not leave your pets at home if you have to evacuate. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them. The results could be catastrophic.

Our pets are cherished members of our families, and their safety and well-being should be a top priority, especially during emergencies. Taking the time to plan and prepare can ultimately mean the difference between life and death for our beloved companions. By being proactive and considering their needs in your emergency plans, you can ensure your pets are well taken care of and that your bond remains unbreakable even in the face of adversity.

Yavapai Humane Society welcomes animal lovers, and anyone touched by the plight of these animals to join hands in contributing to Maui Humane Society’s fundraising campaign. Donations can be made online by visiting mauihumanesociety.org.

We can always count on our pets to keep us happy. Let’s make sure our pets can count on us when an emergency happens. QCBN

By Loree Walden

Loree Walden is the marketing manager of Yavapai Humane Society.