Disaster Prevention
In difficult situations, there are countless things you can learn to overcome just one challenge. But to protect your family, friends, others, and your beloved pets—you must first protect yourself.
Gain the knowledge and skills to stay calm during emergencies, increase your chances of survival, and be prepared to take action to help others. Being informed and trained gives you the power to safeguard the happiness of those who matter most—your precious family, where your heart belongs.
Are you prepared in case of an emergency? What have you done to get ready?
Emergency Kit -PAW USE-
When it comes to your beloved pets, preparing an individual emergency kit is essential. Items should be chosen specifically for your pet’s needs. Think ahead about different scenarios—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unprepared, even if you haven’t packed much for yourself.
Let’s focus on surviving for at least two weeks, as this is generally the amount of time it may take for basic lifelines (like water, electricity, and supply chains) to be restored or stabilized.
Basic Items
5 Elements of Two-Week Survival
Based on essential needs, think about what to pack. These are just examples of what we’ve prepared—customize your kit for your pet’s needs, and consider where you might have to stay during an emergency.
- Food: Disaster prevention is one reason to consider dry food. Ask yourself: can your pet’s current diet last two weeks without refrigeration? Sudden changes in food can upset their stomach. Also, clean water may be limited, so avoid messy or high-maintenance options.
- Water: Bring water not just for drinking, but also for cleaning up your pet or their messes. A foldable or waterproof bag can be helpful too.
- Sleep: Crates, beds, and familiar items help create comfort in unfamiliar places. Is your pet crate-trained in a positive way—not as punishment, but as their “safe space”?
- Exercise: Even in emergencies, pets need physical activity. Include lightweight toys or gear to keep them moving.
- Air: Ensure proper ventilation in any temporary shelter. Consider a portable fan (non-electric), or airflow options if indoors for long periods.
Other Useful Items
- Pet Sheets: Great for potty use and more—very useful in shelters or shared spaces.
- Waste Bags: A must-have, no explanation needed!
- Trash Bags: Useful for any kind of cleanup or storage.
Additional Comfort Items
Your pet won’t understand what’s happening—boredom can lead to stress or behavioral issues. These items help them feel calm and entertained:
- Dried treats (non-perishable, no refrigeration needed)
- Toys (safe, durable, and familiar)
Special Items
- Medications/Supplements: Bring enough for at least two weeks.
- Medical Records: A copy in a waterproof bag could be crucial in emergencies.
PAWer’s Wish as a Pet Evacuation Center
PAWer’s Wish aims to be a trusted evacuation center where your pets can get food, water, safety, and care during disasters. We’re committed to being a reliable support system when emergencies happen.
Emergency Kit – For Your Home
Pre-made emergency kits are available online or at stores like DMC, Sunday, AEON, Don Quijote, and others. Each kit differs in terms of:
- Duration of supply (3 days vs. 2 weeks, etc.)
- Number of people covered
- Type of emergencies prioritized
Most kits leave room for you to add personal essentials. Important reminders:
- Have one kit per person in your family
- Check it regularly (e.g., expiration dates on food and batteries)
- Test your items—you don’t want to use them for the first time during a real emergency!
Hazard Maps
A hazard map shows areas at risk for specific disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, etc.). They are critical tools to help prevent injury and loss.
Here are links to Misawa’s Hazard Maps (Japanese):
Emergency Kit – For Your Vehicle
This is like a mini version of your home kit. Think ahead for situations like:
- Being stuck in traffic
- Unexpected road closures or accidents
- Getting lost
Key questions:
- How long might you be stuck?
- Can you stay in the car, or will you need to leave it?
- What’s the minimum you can grab and go with?
Take Action & Take Responsibility
I’m constantly learning, training, and updating my knowledge as a Disaster Prevention Specialist. Though I hope I’ll never need to use these skills, I want to be ready to protect my community and the pets I love.
Here’s what I review regularly:
Know Your Risks
- What hazards exist where you live or work?
- Does your community have a disaster plan?
- Are you ready for the unexpected?
Create a Family Disaster Plan
- Where to meet if you must evacuate
- Out-of-state contacts
- How to access emergency information
- How to care for pets
- Have you discussed the plan with your family?
- Practice it regularly
Build Emergency Kits
- One each for your home, car, and pets
- You may need to survive without outside help for days
Prepare Children
- Teach them what could happen and what your family will do
Think About Special Needs
- Infants, seniors, and people with disabilities must not be overlooked
Learn CPR & First Aid
- Your training might save the life of a loved one or neighbor
Secure Your Environment
- Minimize hazards in your home and workplace before disaster strikes
