Here in California, we are used to planning for disasters such as earthquakes, fires and flodds, although we hope it won't happen to us. Be sure to include your pets in your emergency planning.

1. Include pet food in your emergency food supply. A minimum of a week's worth of food is recommended. Don't forget to plan for large animals such as horses and cattle.
   
   
2. Be sure to store enough water for your pet as well as your family. At least 2 quarts per day, per person/pet is recommended.
   
   
3. Always keep dog licenses or idenntification tags on your pets, even those who stay indoors. In catastrophes pets are often fogotten. Frightened animals run blindly and may end up far from home. Those licenses and ID tags may be your pets only way back to you.
   
   
4. Consider putting a pet alert sticker on an outside door or window to alert emergency workers to the presence of pets in your home.
   
   
5. Be aware that even family pets may bite when they are frightened.
   
   
6. Keep a leash handy to restrain or move your pet. During an emergency it may not respond to voice commands.
   
   
7. Know the numbers for the local animal shelters in case you do lose your pet. That should be the first place you will look if your pet is lost.

Planning is the key for survival in an emergency!