Prepare for stormy weather during the calm; read on to learn more.
Power outages can happen any time of year. They can happen because of a neighborhood power surge, a strong storm, or a downed electric pole. No matter what, you can be prepared should it ever happen to you, whether it lasts an hour or several days. Below, you can learn about power outage preparedness for pets.
Power Outage Preparedness for Pets: Before the Event
Identify Your Pet
Before an emergency ever occurs, there are some measures to take to be ready. The first is to microchip your pet or have it wear an identification collar. Microchipping is more secure than a collar, which can get lost, but a collar immediately shows people that this pet has an owner. Should your pet get away from you during a blackout, these identifiers make it easy to reunite you.
Store Enough Supplies
Have enough pet food, water, bedding, and medicine if applicable ready to last at least a couple of weeks, along with enough supplies for yourself and your family. Should you get snowed in or blocked by a downed power line, you won’t be desperate for what you need.
Store Pet Food Safely
Keep pet food in an airtight container stored in a dry, cool place. Keep it in a spot that your pet cannot reach. If the power outage happens in the summer, the food will already be less in danger of going bad because of rising temperatures and moisture.
Power Outage Preparedness for Pets During an Outage
Manage Temperature Control
Temperature control is crucial, especially when the weather outside is extreme. If you have a generator, you are all set. If not, keep exterior doors and windows shut as much as possible. Have backup sources of heating and cooling. Keep your pets, especially small ones, in the coolest or warmest room of the house, respectively.
Supervise Your Pet Outdoors
If your pets need to go outdoors, supervise them while outside. If work crews and wreckage are outside, you do not want your pet to get startled or get in the way.
Keep Your Pet Calm and Comfortable
In the meantime, keep your pet’s routine as normal as possible. Keep calm and give your pets extra blankets or bedding if they are cold.
Keep Up to Date on the Power Outage
You can look up the status of the power outage in your area online, which you could access on your phone. It will show you when a service crew is dispatched and the estimated time the power will be back.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!