Pets are essential part of your life.They provide you happiness,emotional support and a sense of security. Some pets even increases your chances of survival in many emergencies and disasters.It become our moral responsibility to take care of them during disasters.We must know that How to save pets during disasters ?

Why care of pets is needed during disasters?

Disasters affect them very badly because most of them has never learnt or have forgotten the survival instinct/techniques of wilderness.They become fully dependent on you for survival during emergencies or disasters. says disaster expert D.K Pandey.

Its a tragedy weve seen too many times: pets stuck in shelters, or worse, because their owners had no place to take them, or homeowners who feel trapped in a dangerous home because they dont know where to take their pets, said Eric Cioppa, NAIC President and Superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Insurance .

We want folks to remember that there are places you can take your pet, and that its important to plan ahead and be ready for the worst.

During recent floods in the Midwest, Reuters reported that hundreds of pets were lost or imperiled by floodwaters. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, an estimated 15,000 animals had to be rescued, according to CNN. In India,Fani cyclone has killed lakhs of animals most of them were domesticated.

The NAIC offers some essential advice for pet owners:

• Keep an emergency kit for your pet. Include food, necessary medications, vet records and an identification tag.
• Have a carry-crate ready to go. Make sure no matter where you go, Fido has convenient transport and/or a safe retreat.
• Know where to evacuate. Many shelters wont accept pets. Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels or facilities that provide pet boarding, and make sure you can meet any requirements (like providing vet records).
• Have bottled water on hand: Flood waters arent safe to drink, even for animals. Store a gallon of fresh water for each pet.
• Keep your flood insurance policy in a safe place: A flood insurance policy can ensure your pets have a safe place to come home to. Flood insurance policies are available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and on the private market.†

How to prepare a Shelter room ?

When sheltering at home with your pet, make sure the room chosen is pet-friendly in the following ways:

• Select a safe room, preferably an interior room with no (or few) windows.
• Remove any toxic chemicals or plants.
• Close off small areas where frightened cats could get stuck (such as vents or beneath heavy furniture).
• Remove sharp objects to avoid injuries.
• Remove long cloths which may entangle pets.
• ensure that temperature in shelter room is bearable for the pet.

How to evacuate your pet ?

1- Make sure your pet(s) wear collars and tags with up-to-date contact information and other identification.

2- Microchip your pet(s) – this is one of the best ways to ensure that you and your pet are reunited if you are separated.

3- Always be sure to register the microchip with the manufacturer and keep your contact information up to date with the microchip company.

4- Purchase a pet carrier for each of your pets (write your pet’s name, your name, and contact information on each carrier).

• Familiarize your pet with its carrier before a crisis.
• Practice transporting your pet by taking them for rides in a vehicle similar to one you would be evacuating in.
• Practice catching your pet, if needed.

5- Keep a leash and/or carrier near the exit.

6- Make sure you have proper equipment for pets to ride in the car (carriers, harnesses, pet seatbelts).

7- If you do not have a car, make arrangements with neighbors, family, and friends.

8- You can also contact your local government to learn about transportation options during a disaster.