Talk to friends and family about making a safety plan. Then, gather up important things you will need, like financial information, insurance policies, etc., and put them all in an “emergency kit” to take with you if you feel you need to leave.
You will also want to have an emergency kit for your kids and your pets as well. Things to put in emergency kits for your kids include clothes, extra socks and underwear, one or two favorite toys, a favorite book, snacks, a bottle of water, medications and medical records and insurance information, birth certificate, etc. If you have a baby or an infant, things to add include diapers, diaper rash cream, wipes, extra bottles and pacifiers, formula, one or two favorite toys, medical records, etc.
An emergency kit for your pet will look different. You should include a first aid kit, medical records, leash/harness, extra collar with tags, enough food and water for two weeks for each pet, collapsible bowls, collapsible litter box and litter, medications, current photos, information on their medications, insurance coverage, and feeding schedules, toys, etc. Items with familiar scents will help your pet feel comfortable and secure. You will also want to make sure that you have a sturdy crate or carrier to transport them in. Put everything in a duffle bag ahead of time if possible, so you can grab it and go.
Do your research and see if the shelters in your area allow pets, and if they don’t, plan with family or friends to take them for a while. Our pets are family members and we need to plan for them as well.
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