How To

How to Care for Pets During a Power Outage

By eHow Health Editor
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Preparing for an emergency is one of the most important things you can do in your home. At any time, you could be without power or water or even snowed in and you'll have to make due with what you have in the house. It's not just the humans you have to worry about, but your pets, too.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Store flashlights, candles, batteries and matches in a place that's easy to get to. There's nothing worse than losing power and not being able to remember or find your supplies.

  2. Step 2

    Have extra bottled water on hand if you have a well. You not only need it for cooking and brushing your teeth, but you'll need it for your pet to drink.

  3. Step 3

    Keep baby wipes stored so you can wash your pet and children without wasting the bottled water.

  4. Step 4

    Unplug the filter on your fish aquarium as soon as the power goes out. If it's out for a long time, toxins will build up in the filter. When the power is restored, those toxins will spit out into the tank.

  5. Step 5

    Let the dog outside if your appliances start beeping or flashing when power goes out. The sound makes some animals anxious. They will calm down if they're allowed outside, as long as the weather allows it.

  6. Step 6

    Stock pet food at all times so you don't run out during an emergency. Try not to let their kibble get down extremely low. Always buy more when you still have a few days worth of it left.

  7. Step 7

    Lay out fluffy blankets to keep your pet warm if he is old or has an arthritic condition.

Tips & Warnings
  • Buy battery-powered air pumps for your fish tanks. They are extremely sensitive to changes and may not survive a power outage.
  • Protect your bird with a blanket or towel, still allowing ventilation to get through. They are very sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

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