Building Your Pet Disaster Evacuation Kit: Kids Edition
Commissioner Dawn Buckingham Joins Comical Kids to Unbox Disaster Evacuation Bag for Pets
AUSTIN — Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is again joined by some of Texas’ silliest kids to unbox items pets will need in case of an evacuation during a disaster. In this second video of a comical and educational series aimed at encouraging Texans to prepare for natural disasters, children remind Texans not to forget their furry, finned, and feathered friends.
“As you prepare your family’s emergency plan, evacuation routes, and go-bag, remember to pack a separate bag with everything your pets need if you have to leave home in a hurry,” Commissioner Buckingham said. “For many of us, our pets are an extension of our family so they should have a bag, too. This task is a great way to include children in your disaster preparedness planning, even if that means using dog bowls as drums!”
Watch these comically clever kiddos help Commissioner Buckingham unbox a pet evacuation go bag:
The GLO encourages all Texans to prepare for hurricane season by preparing an evacuation “go bag” for their pets, including the following:
- Each pet should have enough food and water to last them at least 3-7 days. Don’t forget to change out their food every 2 days
- If daily medication is required for your animal, be sure to have enough for at least two weeks and store them in an airtight container. In case of any injury to your pet, be sure to include a first-aid kit. Include the animal’s health and vaccinations record book with other documents.
- Bring copies of your animals’ registration papers, adoption information, or other records for each pet. Include pictures of your pets individually with you. This will help reunite you if your pet gets lost during an evacuation.
- Make sure your pet is microchipped, which provides the best chance for efficient reunification if you get separated during a disaster.
- You can begin preparing your livestock and horses for a natural disaster by maintaining an inventory, making sure animals have some type of identification, and planning evacuation arrangements.
Whether excessive heat waves, powerful tornadoes or damaging hurricanes, it is important to be prepared to evacuate. Texas has had 372 declared disasters since 1953. Of Texas’ total declarations, more than 30% happened in August or later. Evacuations are more common than most may think, and few disasters come with a lot of warning time.
Download the GLO's Disaster Evacuation Checklist for more information. Texans can follow along on social media, watch the GLO’s preparedness tips on YouTube, and find resources for family and pet preparedness at recovery.texas.gov/petprepared.
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