Contact: Martin Gagliano
Telephone: (669) 209-5266
nccrpublicaffairs@redcross.org

Three simple steps can help to keep your family and your pets safe during disasters — 1) Get a Kit. 2) Make a Plan. 3) Be Informed.

SAN FRANCISCO, California. June 26, 2023. While it's always fire season somewhere in the U.S., the largest wildfires typically occur during the summer months. The American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region urges everyone to get ready for these emergencies now. 

Experts report 40% of the country is still experiencing drought, and although Californians had a stormy winter with multiple atmospheric rivers, scientists don’t expect it to completely erase the state’s years-long drought in some areas.

HOW TO GET READY Follow these steps to help make sure your family is prepared to either evacuate or shelter in place.— 1) Get a Kit. 2) Make a Plan. 3) Be Informed. 
 

• Build your emergency kit with a gallon of water per person, per day, non-perishable food, a flashlight and a battery-powered radio. Also include a first aid kit, medications, supplies for infants or pets, a multi-purpose tool and personal hygiene items. And don’t forget to add copies of important papers, cell phone chargers, blankets, maps of the area and emergency contact information.
• Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure to coordinate your plan with your child’s school, your work and your community’s emergency plans.
• Stay informed. Find out how local officials will contact you during a wildfire emergency and how you will get important information, such as evacuation orders.
   

Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you’ll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

CREATE A PET EMERGENCY PLAN Include your pets in your emergency plans. Remember, if you and your family need to evacuate, so does your pet. June is Pet Preparedness Month and the American Red Cross has steps you can follow to make an emergency plan for your animals:
 

1. Know a safe place to take your pets. Know which hotels and motels along your evacuation route will accept pets in an emergency. Call ahead for reservations if you know you may need to evacuate. Ask if no-pet policies could be waived in an emergency.
2. The American Red Cross will work with local and state organizations that specialize in animal welfare to successfully co-locate household pets at shelters whenever feasible. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters.
3. Know which friends, relatives, boarding facilities, animal shelters or veterinarians can care for your animals in an emergency. Prepare a list with phone numbers.
4. Although your animals may be more comfortable together, be prepared to house your pets separately.
5. Include your pets in evacuation drills so that they become used to entering and traveling in their carriers calmly.
6. Make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are current and that all dogs and cats are wearing collars with securely fastened, up-to-date identification. Many pet shelters require proof of current vaccinations to reduce the spread of disease.
7. Consider having your pet “microchipped” by your veterinarian.
    

To create and Pet Emergency Kit place the following items in a sturdy, easy-to-carry container:

• Sturdy leashes, harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that they can’t escape.
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener if your pet eats canned food.
• Medications and copies of medical records stored in a waterproof container.
• A first aid kit.
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost. Since many pets look alike, this will help to eliminate mistaken identity and confusion.
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable.
   

You can also take the Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course so you’ll know what to do in an emergency until veterinary care is available. People can access the course on their desktop or tablet at redcross.org/catdogfirstaid and go through the content at their own pace.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross