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Apps on your phone can alert you of an upcoming earthquake, and your pets may have this ability, too. Scientists suggest that animals can sense changes in the land before humans can.
However, earthquakes can be more confusing to animals than they are to humans. The best thing you can do as its owner is to prepare even before he feels anything.
Denisse Cobian-Tobler, Vice President of Brand Strategy at Michelson Found Animals Foundation, and Susan Anderson, Director of Disaster Response and National Field Response for the ASPCA, have covered how to keep your pets safe when disaster strikes.
before the earthquake
Your disaster plans need to involve your pet. The practice of placing your pet in its carrier while you and your family members go through earthquake drills can help prepare your animal for possible evacuation. Cobian Tobler said he exercises at least once every few months.
As you build your earthquake preparedness kit, be sure to include animal-specific items.
For cats and dogs, you need water and food bowls, leash carriers, and waste collection supplies like cat litter and dog bags. Have salt pans, bedding, hamster carriers and birds. Comforts, such as a favorite toy or blanket, can help relieve the emotional stress the animal may be enduring during an earthquake.
“It really comes down to thinking about everything you might need if you need to get out the door now and make sure you have it all packed up and ready to go,” said Cobian Tobler. (See below for a sample checklist.)
Cobian Tobler said microchipping and registering your pet are vital. Without the correct registration of the chip, she said, your pet could be lost forever in the face of disaster. Anderson said a collar that contains the appropriate information, or other forms of identification for your animal, are important steps to help ensure your animal can be safely brought home after an earthquake.
Copies of vaccination records and contact information for your pet’s veterinarian should also be included in your important documents.
during the earthquake
When an earthquake begins, we as human beings teach to fall, cover, and wait. But what do you do with your pets?
In most cases, Cobian Tobler said, let them do whatever they want.
“Trust your animals – they are really good at finding safety,” she said.
Small animals that can be carried with you should be kept in your safe space, but if your cat wants to hide under the bed, leave them.
Other animals, such as pets in cages and lockers, should be kept in their pens and transferred to portable carriers in case of damage or the need for evacuation.
If you’re outside with your pet, Cobian Tobler said, get down on the ground and away from any potential hazards like trees or telephone poles. However, the best option might be to let them go and find them later. (This is why microchips are important and keeping information up-to-date.)
Updated June 11, 2021 | 5:15 pm
How much water should be on hand to face an earthquake? If you smell gas, do you know how to turn off the gas meter? Do you have an early warning app on your phone? What will a seismologist do?
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after the earthquake
Earthquakes can be worrisome even for lifelong Californians. Animals that may not understand what is happening can easily become upset and show signs of shock.
Cobian Tobler said changes in behavior such as hiding or clinging should be watched but not to worry.
“Just be there and be supportive,” she said, “the same way you’d be with one of your kids.”
Animals are attuned to what is going on around them, including your emotions. Anderson said to be aware of your feelings and breathing around your pets after the earthquake. Try to maintain a calm demeanor and practice deep breathing.
“Remember, our pets don’t understand what happens when things suddenly change, as they do in natural disasters,” she said. “We can’t explain to them why we are in a new place, why there are new people, or why people act ‘weird.’ Keeping this in mind will help us bring patience and compassion to our pet’s emotional stress.”
As part of your preparation, determine what pet-friendly hotels to go to in case your home is uninhabitable after the earthquake, Anderson said. Other arrangements, such as taking your pet to a friend’s house, should be made in advance and practiced as well.
If your animal is injured or appears seriously ill after the earthquake, contact your local vet or animal hospital (their contact information should be in your emergency package).
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