Earthquake preparedness
It was just a few weeks ago that I reminded people to keep emergency supplies handy in case of emergency like earthquakes.
Luckily, today's earthquake in Chino Hills caused little damage. But it's a good time to send out this reminder: Stay prepared.
The spcaLA sent out this warning. It's the same one they sent out warning about fire and heat dangers, but the message is still an important one
"Pets depend on us for their safety, food, water and more," says Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA President. "With the earthquake that just occurred, it is important to have a disaster plan in place to ensure all members of the family are accounted for properly and it only takes a little advance preparation."
The following are the most important things pet owner can do to prepare their pets for an emergency:
* Make sure there is a supply of canned/dry pet food and bottled water with other emergency provisions including pet prescription and medicine.
* If roads are blocked due to a natural disaster, professional help may not be possible immediately so familiarize yourself and other family members with pet CPR, resuscitation and general first aid procedures.
* Your quick action could save your pet's life Try not to display stress and anxiety when dealing with pets. Most animals are very aware of their owner's emotions and can read your stress. This can cause otherwise calm pets to display aggressive behavior.
* After a fire or disaster, check pet structures and favorite hiding places for hazardous debris.
* Ask your local fire department, animal shelter or veterinarian for a "Pet Alert" sign for doors and windows. If none are available, make your own by listing your pets on 3X5 card and display it prominently. This alerts emergency teams there may be pets that need assistance.
* Dogs and cats should wear I.D. tags with current address and/or phone number at all times. This will make it easier for you and your pet to be reunited if separated.
* Keep up-to-date on your pet's vaccinations. Pets may become disoriented and stray, or housed in shelters with other animals, thereby potentially becoming exposed to infectious diseases.
Visit spcaLA for more information.
About the Bloggers
Daily Breeze reporter Donna Littlejohn has shared her homes with a succession of wonderful, funny, and occasionally difficult canines -- Muffin, Fritz, Ellie, Mercy, Pilgrim and now Cowboy, an Australian shepherd-border collie, and Tess, a border collie. From strong-willed terriers to weirdly obsessed Australian shepherds, they've invaded her world with boundless energy, wet noses, muddy paws and soggy tennis balls. But they've really brought so much more than that -- like laughter and joy, some unexpected life lessons, and more than a few tears along the way.
E-mail Donna at donna.littlejohn@dailybreeze.com.
Josh Grossberg grew up with the usual array of animals: goldfish, dogs, hamsters, parakeets and turtles. He now owns the loudest dog in the South Bay(Video: Rocket the Dog) and is the least popular person on his block. He spends his free time in dog parks, pet shops and always has an extra plastic bag in his pocket just in case. He also has a cat.
E-mail Josh at josh.grossberg@dailybreeze.com.
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