Emergency Response – Sentinel and Enterprise

Aria, a beagle in a thundershirt, is calm. (Courtesy of Jane Bragdon)

Dear Pettalk: Storms and power outages are so common that I think you should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. What should I put in my “go bag”? — watch the weather

For those viewing the weather forecast: Hopefully this winter will spare pet owners from making those decisions, but that’s a great topic. Then, under the leadership of Mayor Lisa Wong, the city of Fitchburg turned the Senior Center into a temporary shelter for humans. The Fitchburg Library will take temporary custody of pets. We haven’t seen anything quite like this since then, but when it comes to climate change, who can say that?

First — protect your documents. Photos, vaccine and microchip information, and medications must be placed in a ziplock bag or plastic container. Another handy item is a photo of you and your pet in case ownership is questioned.

A crate or carrier is also essential. This should be large enough for your pet to sit, stand and turn. It should be included with familiar bedding and favorite toys. For cats, don’t forget the litter box (we recommend some disposable litter boxes). Some dogs may be wary. In that case, stuff the muzzle, along with the collar and leash, and the ‘Thundershirt’ to help calm down.

Don’t forget your first aid supplies. Disposable gloves prevent wound contamination, and a small flashlight, a water bottle to flush the wound, small tweezers, gauze pads, bandages, adhesive tape, and an assortment of antibiotic ointments can help your pet or someone else’s pet. I can. For more guidance, visit the Central Massachusetts Disaster Animal Response Team website at cmdart.org.

Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. For her questions please text her to 978-320-1335.