If you own a pet, you need to take some additional precautions when arranging your emergency kits and evacuation plans. Due to health and safety regulations, pets are not allowed into Red Cross shelters, so what would you do with your pet if you have to evacuate your home?

Here are a few recommendations from the makers of FasTags®, The Tag You Make At Home® (http://www.fastags.com):

Important items to add to your emergency kit if you own a pet:

1. Water purification tablets or extra bottled water for your pet.

2. 3-7 days of food. Cans and pouches are great because they are sealed. If you have dried food, a water proof container is recommended. Remember to bring along a manual can opener to open cans.

3. Non-spill bowls for food and water.

4. FasTags® Instant Pet ID Tags (http://www.fastags.com) - Keep a few FasTags® on hand. Ideally you should have an evacuation location picked out ahead of time. If you do, you can make FasTags® for your pets with the evacuation spot listed along with your cell phone number. If you do not have a preplanned location chosen, you should write your cell phone number or alternate emergency contact information on your FasTags® and tag your pet in case they get separated from you. FasTags® are also ideal for any evacuation items you'd like to ID, including travel kennels, cameras, backpacks, and computer bags. If you own a horse, keep a completed FasTags® for Tack at your stall in case your horse needs to be evacuated.

5. A harness, leash, and muzzle. Harnesses are more secure than a collar in an emergency situation and although you may not think that you would ever use a muzzle, you may find that you need one if your pet gets panicked.

6. Bring any medication your pet takes in a sealed container, along with a copy of the prescription. You should have at least a two week supply on hand. Be sure to rotate the fresh medication in to your emergency kit every six months to keep the medicine fresh and effective.

7. Plastic pooper scooper bags for dogs and disposable litter boxes for cats. The ASPCA recommends disposable aluminum roasting pans and kitty litter.

8. Pet carrier. Even if you do not usually use a pet carrier, you should keep one on hand in case of emergency. The last thing you need during an emergency is to struggle with a panicked pet. Be sure to add a FasTags® ID to your carriers and pet supplies so it is clear they belong to you.

9. Grooming tools. Be sure to have your brush and any other grooming supplies you use on a regular basis.

10. A recent photo of your pet. In the event your pet is separated from you, the photo will come in handy for Lost and Found posters.

11. A pet friendly travel book. In case your first choice of evacuation locations is unavailable, one of the pet friendly lodging books would be priceless when trying to find alternative lodging with your pet.

12. A chew toy or favorite plaything. A favorite toy can be comforting and it is much better to have your pet chew the toy than your only pair of tennis shoes.

13. Pet First Aid Kit, including a FasTags ID Tag (http://wwww.fastags.com).

Also, in case you are unable to find your pet when disaster strikes, please make sure you have an evacuation sticker in the window of your house. The ASPCA has a FREE Rescue Alert Sticker available online at: http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_rescuesticker

The Rescue Alert sticker has a spot for the number of pets in your home and your veterinarian’s name and phone number. (We also recommend adding your cell phone number to the rescue sticker).

IMPORTANT: If you evacuate your pets, write EVACUATED or TAKEN across the sticker so rescuers know your pet has already been taken to safety.

Be prepared for disaster before it strikes so you, your family, and your pets will all live long, happy lives.

From the makers of FasTags®...Because Identity Is Everything!®

http://www.fastags.com