Department of Mathematics and Science

Taking Care of Pets During Natural Disasters

Grade 5 - Quarter 4: 05/19-06/05

Dr. Millard Lightburn, District SupervisorKeisha Kidd, Curriculum Support Specialist

Mary Tweedy, Curriculum Support Specialist

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BenchmarksScience• Big Idea 7: Earth Systems and Patterns

– Natural Disaster Plans• SC.5.E.7.7 Design a family preparedness plan for natural disasters

and identify the reasons for having such a plan.

Writing•LAFS.5.W.1.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.•LAFS.5.W.1.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.• LAFS.5.W.2.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development

and organization are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

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Lesson ObjectivesBy the end of this lesson, students should be able to:

• Identify the basic needs of pets during natural disasters.• Understand that pets need to be protected like humans during natural

disasters.• Recognize that pets need special arrangements during natural

disasters.• Identify the different options for pets during natural disasters.• Understand the need for a family preparedness plan before a natural

disaster strikes.

Key Vocabulary:• natural disaster, survival, shelter, basic needs, preparedness, protect,

emergency

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Lesson Essential Questions:

• What are basic needs for pets during natural disasters?

• What is a family preparedness plan?• Why is it important to design a family

preparedness plan before a natural disaster strikes?

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It’s as easy as 1-2-3

• Step 1: Prepare

• Step 2: Plan

• Step 3: Stay Informed

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Step One: Prepare(video link from FEMA)

Tornado

Fire

Flood

Hurricane

Severe Thunderstorm

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Pet Emergency Survival Kit– Food– Water– Medicines and medical records– First aid kit– Collar with ID tag, harness or leash– Crate or other pet carrier– Sanitation

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FoodAmount recommended: at least for 5 days per pet

Store pet foods in sturdy containers that can be easy to carry. Any dry pet food should be stored in air tight containers and refreshed every 6 months.

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WaterAmount recommended: at least for 5 days per pet

Store an additional gallon of water in case of exposure to chemicals or flood waters and needs to be rinsed.

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Medicines and Medical Records

Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.

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First Aid Kit

Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.

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Collar with ID Tag, Harness or Leash

Make sure that your cat or dog is wearing a collar and identification tag that is up to date and visible at all times. The tag should also include your cellular phone number. Most veterinary doctors will implant a microchip on your cat or dog just under the skin.

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Crate or Other Pet CarrierIn case of a natural disaster have a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down. Blankets are recommended, also.

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Sanitation

Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant

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Step Two: Plan

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Create a plan to get away

• Find a safe place to stay ahead of time.– Call the Local Office of Emergency Management– Contact hotels and motels

• find a pet-friendly hotel or motel (be sure to ask)– Make arrangements with friends or relatives– Consider a kennel or veterinarian’s office– As a last resort, ask your local animal shelter.

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Don’t forget to pack

• Current photos of you and your pets with descriptions to help identify your pet.

• Pet beds and toys can reduce stress.• Written information about your pet:

– Feeding schedules– Medical conditions– Behavior issues

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Step Three: Stay Informed• Local news, State &

Government authorities• Evacuate early upon

warning (DO NOT wait for a mandatory evacuation)

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Keep taking careeven after the disaster

• If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pet.• Don’t allow your pets to roam loose.• While you assess the damage, keep dogs on

leashes and cats in carriers inside the house.• Be patient with you pets after a disaster.

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Be ready for everyday emergencies• Heat waves• Never leave your pets in a parked car.• Watch the humidity.• Don’t rely on a fan.• Provide lots of shade and water.• Limit exercise on hot days.• Look for signs of heatstroke.• Treat suspected heatstroke immediately.

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REVIEWHow can you take care of your pet before a natural disaster?-Design a family preparedness plan which includes your pet. How can you take care of your pet during a natural disaster?-Make sure your pet is safe and comfortable (crate, carrier, blanket and toys).How can you take care of your pet after a natural disaster?-Keep you pet on a leash or in a carrier until you know it is safe.

Complete: “Pet Care During Disaster” Writing ActivityPage 5

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TRUE/FALSE

Turn to page 6.

Place true or false in the first blank space and write page number and section where evidence was found.

Use information from the video, text, and powerpoint to gather evidence and determine whether the statement is true or false.

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CLAIMS-EVIDENCE-REASONINGAssignment: Write a scientific explanation that answers this question: How can pets be protected during natural disasters?

Claim (Write a sentence that states how pets are protected during natural disasters.)

Evidence: (Provide data about how pets can be protected during natural disasters include quantitative data to support your claim.)

Reasoning: (Write a statement that connects your evidence to your claim about how pets can be protected during natural disasters.)

CER Student Worksheet

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RECOMMENDATIONS

• Make a back-up emergency plan in case you can’t care for your animals yourself.

• Develop a buddy system with neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.

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Your Pet

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REFERENCES

http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/animal_rescue/tips/pets-disaster.html

Disaster Preparedness Brochure:

http://www.ready.gov/caring-animals

http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/disaster/disaster_preparedness_pets.pdf

Are you interested in having pet in your classroom?

Visit Pets in the Classroom Website

Go to: http://www.petsintheclassroom.org/teachers/