Non-English Speakers:

-Non-English speakers should consider their special needs in an emergency. Make special preparations to get the information and special assistance you may need in advance. Call 240-629-6062 for more information.

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Assemble a "pet survivial kit" that can be ready to go if you are evacuating your pet to a kennel or to friends or family. You should include:

- Water, food and containers.

-A leash/muzzle/harness.

-A copy of all current vaccination and health records, license numbers and microchip numbers.

-Medication for your pet, if needed.

-A pet carrier or cage (a luggage carrier can be used to wheel the carrier around).

-Plastic bags for pick-up.

-Photo of your pet.

PARENTS & FAMILIES

Include your children in planning for an emergency. Teach them how to get help and what to do in different situations. Practice your family emergency plan with your children and quiz them about.

Every child should know:

• Family contact information for use in an emergency.
  
• Never to touch wires lying on the ground or hanging from poles.
  
• How to identify the smell of gas. Tell them that if they smell it, they should tell a grown-up or leave the building.
  
• How and when to call 911.

Information to know about your child's school or daycare facility:

• Find out what your child's school does in the event of an emergency and know the school's emergency plans.
  
• Find out where you can pick up your child during an evacuation.
  
• Ensure that the school has up to date contact information for you and at least one other relative or friend.
  
• Find out if you can authorize a friend or relative to pick up your children in an emergency if you cannot.

Go bag:

• Pack child care supplies as well as games and small toys in your family's "go bag."

Reassurance:

• Children are especially vulnerable to emotional stress after a disaster and may exhibit excessive fear or the dark, crying, fear or being alone and constant worry. Reassure children that they are safe. Encourage them to talk about their fears, emphasize that they are not responsible for what happened, and comfort them.

Tips for Pet Owners Pet owners should include provisions for their pet in a household diaster plan. Please note that pets are not allowed in shelters (only service animals are allowed in shelters). Therefore, it is important that you have a plan for your pet in the case of an evacuation.

Pet emergency planning tips:

• Contact friends or relatives outside your area to see if they would be willing to accomodate you and your pets in an emergency. Also, ask a neighbor, friend or family member if they will look after your pet if you cannot return home due to a disaster.
  
• See if your vet or groomer provides shelter for animals during an emergency.
  
• Transport your pets in a carrier for the duration of the disaster. This makes pets feel safer and more secure.
  
• Know your pets' hiding places so that you can easily find them in times of stress.
  
• Make sure each pet has a license and an ID tag.
  
• For more information, contact the Frederick County Animal Control (301-694-1546; to contact an officer, call 301-694-1544)

(Adapted from Ready New York)