With wildfires threatening areas across California, the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team has developed a comprehensive disaster preparedness checklist to help keep animals safe.

Remember if you are not safe to stay in your home it is not safe for your animals either. Please closely follow the evacuation orders from authorities and reference these tips for disaster preparedness in preparing your pets.

For horses and other large animals:

• If you have a horse or large animal at a boarding facility or barn, ensure the locks to the barn doors are operational and easily able to be opened in the event of an emergency.
• Have trailers lined up and ensure that you have enough vehicles to move the amount of horses at your barn/facility.
• In extreme danger with limited time, let your horse or large animal into a larger enclosed area that has been tamped down and is out of the line of fire. Ensure the safety of first response personnel by not allowing the horses to run free.
• If you are evacuating, let your large animals out into a paddock or corral, cut off their access to return to a barn or stall (as they will naturally retreat back to where they are fed or cared for, even if the structure is on fire), and make sure the animal is easily identifiable; consider using non-toxic spray paint to spray paint your phone number on their body for easy reunification purposes.

Small wild animals:

• Do everything you can to allow fleeing animals to pass through and IF you are not in a line of fire, provide access to fresh water.
• Wild animals have strong fight or flight responses and are extremely resilient.
• The assistance/guidance of a professional wildlife rehabilitator is likely required if the animal requires assistance or intervention

Companion animals:

The Humane Society of the United States is prepared to assist impacted shelters to relocate adoptable animals out of harm’s way. Additionally, we have established a disaster kit plan to assist families with pets in the event of a weather-related catastrophe. It is advisable to have a disaster kit ready in your home at all times.

Some items that should be included:

• Food and water for at least five days for each pet. Also bring bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.
• Medications for at least five days and all medical records, including vaccination history. Keep these stored in a waterproof container. You may also consider storing them digitally on a flash drive or online.
• Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with tags for identification. Microchipping your pet is ideal as collars can be easily removed.
• Pack a pet first aid kit.
• Litter box with extra liter and a scoop.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and carriers to transport pets safely.
• Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your animals.
• Comfort items, which may include a pet bed or a special toy, to reduce stress.
• Written information about your pets feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian. This information can also be kept digitally.

For more preparedness tips, visit https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/make-disaster-plan-your-pets.