Help protect pets when disaster strikes

Remember to make an emergency plan for your pets, too

Each year, our Hambone Award® nominees remind us how quickly a disaster can strike.

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month, a good time to make sure your family has an emergency plan in place that includes your pets and helps you act quickly and keep everyone safe. Here are some important tips to remember.

Alert first responders

House fires are among the most common disasters that people face. Even a relatively minor kitchen fire can have serious health effects on pets and humans alike, like when Hambone nominee Raja needed emergency treatment for smoke inhalation after passing out during a kitchen fire.

In the case of a fire, first responders may not know that pets need rescue inside the home. Placing a window decal in a prominent window lets firefighters and police know that important non-human family members may need rescuing, too.

When applying pet rescue decals, be sure to note the number and species of pet and place the sticker in a window near the main entrance for maximum visibility.

Check your smoke/CO alarms

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors serve two very different, very important roles. Faulty alarms can have dangerous consequences for people and pets. For example, 2016 Hambone nominees Sasha and Mitten and their family all suffered severe carbon monoxide poisoning after a faulty CO2 detector failed to alert them of a leak in their house.

Both smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors require regular testing and replacement to ensure the safety of your family. Manufacturer recommendations may vary between tests, but a good rule of thumb is a monthly test for all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Have an escape strategy

Quick action matters during an emergency, so knowing where your pet tends to hide can make all the difference. Case in point is Nikko, a Shih Tzu and 2015 Hambone nominee who narrowly escaped a horrendous home fire, thanks to quick thinking on the part of his pet parent.

Smoke and flames can make finding an escape route difficult for pets, who will instinctually flee from hazards. Blocked exists, locked doors and heavy furniture can prove dangerous when visibility is low and time is scarce. Plan for your pets when determining your emergency routes, and keep pathways clear to prevent trips, slips and falls.

Build a go-kit that includes your pet

When packing a grab-and-go kit for your family, be sure to include supplies for each of your pets.

• 3-5 days of medication, food and water
• Carrier, leash and muzzle
• Comfort item (a blanket or toy)
• List of places you can go that also accept pets
• Copies of vet records veterinary records like proof of rabies and core vaccinations
• Current photo of you with pet

Pro tip: Saving virtual copies of your pets’ medical records, prescriptions, vaccinations and clinic phone numbers on your phone makes accessing emergency shelters and services easier when you can't access paper records during an evacuation.

Seek veterinary care

Conditions caused by smoke inhalation, carbon monoxide exposure, burns or trauma can worsen quickly if left untreated. Many pets are especially sensitive to these conditions, so it’s extra important to have information for contacting your local 24-hour emergency veterinarian on hand.

Nationwide pet insurance members have unlimited access to Nationwide VetHelpline®, a 24/7 telehealth service that can help you assess the situation and locate nearby treatment centers if needed. Download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play, so it is ready in an emergency.

If your pet needs care, Nationwide pet insurance can help cover eligible veterinary expenses from any licensed veterinarian, including emergency and specialty providers. Get a quote for your pet at petinsurance.com.