Emergency prepping for kids and pets is a crucial step in ensuring that every member of your family is safe and cared for during unexpected situations.
When Hurricane Helene swept through the Western North Carolina mountains, it left devastation across these Appalachian towns.
Towns like Swannanoa and Chimney Rock were nearly wiped out by flooding. Whereas, Brevard, where we live, faced it’s share of high water and wind damage but not as extreme.
You’ve likely heard our story about our week with no power, cell, or wifi. Yes, we survived over a week without internet – but the big shocker goes to our daughter who pushed through and learned a new way of life.
As a family with two dogs, a middle-schooler, and an adult daughter attending college out of state, I know first hand how much thought it takes to ensure everyone is safe and cared for.
In this post, I’ll share practical tips and essential items to help you prep for your own family – including your kids and pets.
Why Prepping For Kids and Pets is Different
When emergencies hit, the needs of children and pets are often very different from adults. Kids need comfort and familiarity, not just food and water. Whereas, pets rely entirely on us for their safety and well-being.
Preparing ahead of time ensures that, no matter what, you will have what you need to meet the needs and reduce stress for everyone.
Prepping for Kids
While food, water, and shelter are critical, kids of all ages need emotional support and age-appropriate supplies to help them feel safe.
Here are some things to considering as you plan for the young and older children in your family:
1. Necessities and Comfort Items
- Water: Plant to have 1 gallon per day per child. It’s always smart to keep a lifestraw on hand for each child as well as your bottled water.
- Favorite snacks: Familiar treats like granola bars, fruit pouches, or crackers can help normalize a stressful situation.
- Comfort objects: Pack a small bag with a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or even a well-loved book. These little things make a big difference.
👉 FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST TO PREP FOR KIDS AND PETS
2. Entertainment
Emergencies can mean hours, days, or even weeks without power or internet. For kids, boredom can amplify fear.
- Activity kits: Include coloring books, sketch pads, crayons or markers, puzzles, card games, magnetic blocks, or small toys in your emergency stash.
- Books: Keep a few lightweight, engaging books in your Go Bag for both entertainment and comfort.
3. Medical Needs
- Prescriptions: Ensure a backup supply of any prescription medications your child may need. We keep tinctures of natural remedies ready at all times.
- First-aid kit: Stock one with child-specific supplies like kid-sized bandages and fever reducers.
4. Clothing & Hygiene
- Change of clothes: Include weather-appropriate items.
- Extra socks and underwear: Critical for staying clean and comfortable.
- Baby wipes: Useful for quick clean-ups or washing when there is no water available.
- Diapers and pull-ups: For babies and toddlers.
5. Emergency Contacts
Be sure to add a few emergency contact numbers in their go-bags. This way, if the get separated from you, authorities will know who to call.
👉 FREE PRINTABLE CHECKLIST TO PREP FOR KIDS AND PETS
Prepping for Pets
When we saw the flooding in Chimney Rock, my mind immediately went to what could happen if we needed to evacuate with our dogs. Pets need their own dedication emergency stash just as we do.
Here are some essentials to consider when prepping for your pets:
1. Food and Water
- Pet food: Keep at least a 3-day supply of your pet’s usual food in airtight containers. If you feed wet food, don’t forget a can opener. Although we make our own dog food, we keep a bag of dry dog food for emergencies.
- Water: Include extra water for pets (about 1 gallon per day per pet).
2. Identification and Safety
- Collars with tags: Ensure your pets always wear collars with up-to-date ID tags.
- Leashes and carriers: Have leashes ready for dogs and carriers for cats or smaller pets to keep them safe during evacuations.
One thing I learned from the hurricane regarding dog collars is to always include an address on your dogs collar – not just a phone number.
Days after the flood, we found several lost dogs. Even though they had collars with phone numbers, the phone and cell lines were all down.
Thankfully, we put the dogs in our fence and kept them safe until we could reach the owners. If there was an address on their collars, we could have returned them to their home immediately.
3. Comfort and Care Items
- Blanket or bed: Something familiar for them to lie on can ease anxiety.
- Toys or chew items: These can help keep them calm and occupied.
- Waste supplies: Pack poop bags for dogs or a small, portable litter box for cats.
- Collapsible Bowls: These bowls are great to have for food and water and take up little space.
4. Medical Needs
- Medications: If your pet takes medication, include an extra supply in your kit.
- Vet records: Store a copy of their vaccination records in a waterproof bag.
Now that you have an idea of how to prep for kids and pets, grab this free checklist so you don’t forget the essentials.
