IEMA Encourages People to Include Pets in Disaster Preparedness Plans

“Animal Stories” radio spots to be featured as part of Pet Preparedness Month in May

SPRINGFIELD – While every household should have a disaster supply kit stocked with food, water, flashlights and batteries, homes with pets need to take additional steps when planning for disasters.  Whether an emergency forces people to seek shelter within the home or evacuate, advanced planning can ensure the safety of pets.

Throughout May, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and local emergency management agencies throughout the state will be working to increase awareness of pet preparedness.

“The recent deadly tornadoes across the South are a grim reminder that disasters can happen with little warning,” said IEMA Director Jonathon Monken.  “The better you’ve prepared in advance for the needs of everyone in your family, including your pets, the better chance you all have of weathering any disaster.”

Monken said pet owners should stock a pet preparedness kit with items such as:

• At least a three-day supply of food and water
  
• Extra supplies of pet medicines
  
• Copies of pet registration, vaccinations and other important documents
  
• Photo of your pet in case you are separated during an emergency
  
• Pet first-aid kit, including cotton bandage rolls, tape, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention and isopropyl alcohol
  
• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash
  
• Crate or other pet carrier in case of evacuation
  
• Pet litter and box, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach for pet’s sanitation needs
  
• Toys, treats or other familiar items to help lessen your pet’s stress during the emergency

As part of pet preparedness month, IEMA and the Illinois Broadcasters Association (IBA) are reintroducing a series of radio spots based on the classic “Animal Stories” vignettes from WLS radio in the 1970s.  The humorous spots feature the late Larry Lujack and Tommy Edwards reprising their roles as “Uncle Lar’ and Li’l Tommy” to highlight the importance of pet emergency preparedness.  The seven spots were first released in 2012 and played on more than 200 IBA member stations throughout Illinois.  

The “Animal Stories” pet preparedness spots and additional emergency preparedness information are available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov​.