Are You Prepared for a Natural Disaster?

As you all probably know, Hurricane Season started last week. In order to help LCD readers prepare, we put together a handy Hurricane Preparedness Guide found HERE. The article has been read hundreds of times, but I wonder how many of you actually developed a plan and implemented it. Uh oh...is your tail tucked between your legs in shame?

Even the best of us can have well meaning plans that are, well... are just never put into action. We get busy with our everyday lives. We look outside at the beautiful sunny weather and think to ourselves, I'll put my disaster kit together tomorrow.

But when disaster strikes and things are already stressful, we wish that we had not procrastinated! We find the pet-friendly hotels booked up, the store shelves empty of water and dog food. While the storm moves in, we frantically tear up the house looking for dog tags and vaccination records, only to discover Fido's meds needing a refill and the pharmacy closed.

Don't let this happen to you. Take the time to outline a specific plan and educate your entire family on the details. Gather all the documents, supplies, and medications you may need for your pets to ensure they can travel with you easily. Put it all in a plastic bin and keep in a secure but easily accessible place so it's ready to grab and go. Make sure all family members know where this bin is stored in case you are out of town or can not be reached.

A little advance preparation will help you and your entire family get out of the disaster zone safely with all you need, and with as little stress as possible. 

And if this isn't enough motivation for you, take a look at the slideshow of photos above. These photos were taken by Animal Rescue & Relief during their work in the aftermath of four hurricanes and two floods. Don't let this happen to you and your pets. Be prepared.

People interested in donating towards Animal Rescue & Relief's disaster work here in the Carolinas can donate through paypal on the ARR website: www.arrinc2.petfinder.org or mail checks to Animal Rescue & Relief, PO Box 13477, Charleston, SC 29422. Just be sure to note: DISASTER EFFORTS in memo line.