If you need to evacuate, or even head to the vet, a cat will very likely run and hide. Try leaving the carrier out in your home like a regular piece of furniture so your kitty will get used to it. Next, place treats and toys in the carrier to encourage your them to go inside.

To prevent fleas on your pet:

1. Limit the amount of time your pet spends outdoors.
2. Limit contact with wild and stray animals.
3. Bathe and brush pets regularly.
4. Check for fleas regularly.
5. Fleas prefer warmer and more humid months, but if there is an animal to feed on, fleas can survive year-round.

Use breakaway collars, and make sure cats can slip their head out if the collar gets caught on something. Having a cellular telephone number on a pets ID tag instead of a home number is recommended because if there is an evacuation, no one will be home to answer phone calls.

Make arrangements with friends or relatives. Ask people outside your immediate area if they would be able to shelter you and your pets—or just your pets—if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may need to arrange to house them at separate locations.

Common emergency grab and go items:

• Credit cards and cash.
• Essential prescription and non-prescription medications.
• Hygiene products like toothpaste, mouthwash, tampons, etc.
• Infant formula, diapers, wipes, and bottles.
• A small tub of bleach and a dropper for safe drinking water.
• A change of clothing and comfortable shoes.

These common elements allow you to prepare for and protect yourself and your animals from disaster. Emergency managers think of disasters as recurring events with four phases: Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery. The following diagram illustrates the relationship of the four phases of emergency management.

The top things we’d grab from a fire (source ABI)

• Credit cards and money – 43%
• Photographs – 35%
• Mobile phone – 33%
• Laptop/ tablet – 30%
• Jewellery, artworks or other valuables – 16%
• Clothes – 6%
• Books – 3%
• Children’s toys – 2%

If you have to flee, having a home evacuation checklist will help keep you calm….Have copies of important papers.

• Your driver’s license.
• The deed to your house.
• Proof of insurance.
• Medical records.
• Passports.
• Social security cards.
• A list of personal contacts.

In a fire, do not use a lift to evacuate a building. Move calmly to the nominated evacuation assembly area and do not leave the evacuation assembly area until the all clear has been given. Follow the instructions of relevant emergency services personnel and campus emergency control personnel.

During an Evacuation

1. Download the FEMA app for a list of open shelters during an active disaster in your local area.
2. Listen to a battery-powered radio and follow local evacuation instructions.
3. Take your emergency supply kit.
4. Leave early enough to avoid being trapped by severe weather.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

1. Check for Hazards in the Home. Fasten shelves securely to walls.
2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors. Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
3. Educate Yourself and Family Members.
4. Have Disaster Supplies on Hand.
5. Develop an Emergency Communication Plan.
6. Help Your Community Get Ready.

While there isn’t a standard cost for earthquake retrofitting a home, the range is usually about $3,000 to $7,000. Larger homes, those built on hillsides, and those with basements or rooms over garages will typically cost more to retrofit. Many houses that require only bolting cost about $3,000.