Posted on: July 22nd, 2016

Dear pet owners,

Now that we can take a big deep breath from the recent Nederland fire, our team of proactive pet lovers would love to share some common sense ideas and researched pet disaster preparedness tips from Bouldermountainfire.org and American Humane Association: Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals to pass along to our lovely community, so that when life happens our pets won’t suffer the consequences of not knowing what to do.

Our main goal is to build confidence in keeping our beloved animals safe because the fire season is here and knowing what to do just might save a life: yours & theirs. Please pick and choose what works best for your pet’s safety and group needs.

#1. Create a group: neighbors/friends with whom you trust pertinent information and start a conversation about what preparedness means. Boulder Mountain Fire website has an excellent check-list, such as name, address, landline & cell phone numbers, e-mail, etc.

#2. Pet information: name, breed, gender, age, color, approx. wt., behavioral traits, microchip/ number/provider contact? Licensed? By whom? Food type? Feeding times? Meds? Fido’s best picture, etc.

#3. Transportation Details: who and where are you taking this pet? Have a backup plan.

#4. The Pet Box:   a sturdy animal container containing: a crate (where do you keep it?) A pet first aid kit (talk to your vet), 3-7 days’ worth of canned or dry food (rotate every 2 mo.), liquid dish soap, paper towels, disinfectant, feeding bowls, water, leash, harness, blanket, muzzle, etc., and information acceptable to share with other volunteers. Label your box in bold letters or with a pet rescue alert sticker then placed near your front door so rescuers can GRAB & GO.

• Important info to know:
  • Check www.BoulderOEM .com
    • Keep checking for updates to see where to take your pet(s) prior to evacuation. Once an emergency is established this site will post phone numbers to call.
    • Animal control @the sheriff’s office: (303) 441-4444 or 911
      • To report an emergency CALL THEM IMMEDIATELY! Keep in mind they are a command post and crazy busy during a disaster.
      • If you get a reversed 911 call: grab your pet and go unless you cannot save your pet.

Next week: From here on in we’ll be a little more specific about animal preparedness starting with dogs, so send me your helpful comments to: carolsidell@nullhotmail.com  We encourage you to send us your thoughts and ideas on what you’d do and we’ll share our resources with you.

1. Many thanks to my amazing team: Poppy, Danielle and Denver!!!! And a heart-felt thank-you to all the firefighters, emergency personnel, back up support folks, volunteers and the shelters whom kept watch over our beloved pets during the Cold Springs fire.