Are you and your family prepared for a disaster?

Your family needs a plan that tells everyone:

1. Where to meet if you have to evacuate
2. Who you've identified as an out-of-state "family contact"
3. How to get emergency information in your community
4. How to take care of your family pets.

There are many organizations that can help you develop family emergency plans. Here are a few Sheriff’s OES recommend:

• Ready.gov
• American Red Cross
• CAL-FIRE Ready for Wildfire

Preparing for those with Special Needs

Emergencies can happen at a moment's notice. Mobility, hearing, learning, or seeing disabilities can create specific needs that individuals need to address to be able to respond to an emergency. The following organization can provide tips and guides to help those with special needs prepare.

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (Information for People with Disabilities)
• California Department of Public Health (Tips for People with Disabilities)
• American Red Cross (Disaster Safety for People with Disabilities)

Preparing for Pets

If you evacuate, take your pet with you. Emergency Shelters accept household pets. For larger animals, think of safe places to take your pet may include homes of friends or relatives. Sheriff’s OES partners with Central California Animal Disaster Team (CCADT) with evacuations for animals.

Choose a designated care giver, such as a neighbor, friend or relative to care for your pet in the event that you are unable to do so.

Affix a Rescue Alert Sticker to the front of your residence. The sticker should include the types and number of pets in your house and veterinarian information.

Ensure that your pet wears a collar with a rabies tag at all times. Consult your veterinarian about permanent identification, such as microchipping, or registration with a pet recovery database.

You can consult our local experts for more information:

• Madera County Animal Services - 14269 Road 28, Madera, CA 93638 - 559-675-7891
• Central California Animal Disaster Team

Pet Emergency Kit

• Leash, harness and / or Pet carrier
• 1-Week supply of food and water with bowls
• Medications and pet first aid kit
• Copies of vaccination, medical records and a photo of you and your pet (for identification) in a waterproof container
• Plastic bags, disinfectants, paper towels and for cats, a litter box
• Blankets, toys and treats

During an Emergency

•  Keep your pets on hand at the first sign of an emergency. Don't allow your pets to roam loose following a disaster.
• Call ahead to make arrangements for boarding your pet outside the danger area.
• Keep your pet emergency kit close at hand.