With Southern California prone to earthquakes and wildfires, it's important for pet owners to have an emergency plan in place and ready. Below are some quick tips on how to prepare for and evacuate with your pets in a disaster:

1. Be Prepared
• Have enough crates/containers and vehicles to transport your animals with you at the same time
• Create an Emergency Kit: Keep records and supplies organized and in an easy to access place (Think about your pet's medical records, 3-day food supply, water, bowls, medicine, bedding, leashes, litter pans)
• Make sure your pet's identification is current, consider micro-chipping if you haven't already.

2. Remain Calm, Leave Early
• Calmly secure your animals in crates etc. This is important because your pets will be frightened. You do not want to worry about them injuring themselves, biting an emergency worker that is trying to help etc.
• If you are evacuating your home, always take your pets with you because you may be forced to stay away longer than you expected. Your animals will be less stressed evacuating with you than with an emergency worker.

3. Plan and Practice Your Response
• Create a plan, write-it up and post it so everyone knows what to do and where to find the emergency kits/supplies.
• Review your plan with a neighbor who is willing to help in case disaster strikes while you are away.
• Plan ahead for a place you can stay with your animals in case of emergency ( i.e. friend, family, pet-friendly hotel).

Child and Dog Safety

Most parents teach their children safety rules such as not to touch electrical outlets or the stove, not to hit other children, not go with a stranger, but many people don't realize that dog interactions also require safety rules. Kids and their own dogs are in the highest risk category for dog bites.

Tips for Dog & Child Safety

1. Never leave a child unsupervised with a dog

· Babies and young children remind some dogs of prey; it is not safe to leave them unattended even in a car seat or high chair.

· Babies should not be on the floor with a dog

· People commonly say that the dog "seemed fine" right before he bit the child. "Good dogs" are usually the ones that bite after enduring repeated unwanted affection from children.

2. Teach children the correct way to show affection that the dog will appreciate

· Hugging and kissing is a human behavior, not a dog behavior. Some dogs tolerate this better than others. This is a major cause of face bites in children.

· Teach children to always ask permission to pet someone else's dog. If the dog approaches, you may calmly and quietly pet dogs under the chin. Never go over a dog's head.

· Kisses can be done by kissing your fingers and petting on the sides of the dogs face. But remember dogs, generally prefer treats, walks and other more appropriate activities.

3. Look for signs that your dog is uncomfortable and teach your children what to do in the event that a dog's behavior gets out of control.

· Learn the body language of a stressed or worried dog and contrast with how your dog looks when happy or relaxed. If you miss the subtle signs, your dog has no choice but to make it more obvious. There are many resources available on this topic.

· If a dog is rambunctious or is attacking teach your child to "be a tree or a rock"

· Remember your child is counting on you and so is your dog!

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