Is your family disaster ready? (2009 notice)

This notice sat on the former site's home page around 2009 and 2010. It asked parents: you have told your children how to reach you, and you have a meeting place, but have you arranged for the pets?

The advice

• Stay calm. Pets mirror the fear and confusion of the people around them.
• Make a plan with the family, in words each age can follow. The notice suggested telling a toddler that the family would stay with relatives for a day or two and the pets would come along.
• Practice the plan and fix what does not work.
• Ask relatives and friends in advance if the pets may come, and bring a carrier for each pet, familiar food, and cleaning supplies.
• Teach dogs basic obedience. A pet in a strange home can get lost if it is not under your direct control.
• Some emergency managers suggest 3 to 5 days of supplies. Others say 10 days to two weeks. The notice told readers to use their judgment.

For current advice with sources, see Pet disaster planning.