We never know when a disaster will affect our lives and the daily routines to which we are accustomed. It is our goal and wish to help you in any way we can to prepare you so the transition will be as smooth and stress-free as possible.
What we are talking about is an emergency preparedness kit or survival kit that you can easily take with you when you are forced out of your home or apartment and into an emergency situation and/or shelter. These situations can be very stressful in the sense that most shelter and emergency personnel are not equipped or trained to handle a person with a service dog.
What follows is a basic guideline for you to create your own survival kit for you and your guide dog. You can adapt your kit to your specific needs.
Remember to make it simple and lightweight because you will have to carry it. We recommend a back pack making it easier to carry and allowing you to be hands free.
We recommend including the following items in your survival kit as well as your other specific items for you and your guide dog.
For You:
- Clean change of clothes including underwear & socks.
- Tooth brush and toothpaste
- Food for 3 days. Example: breakfast bars, dry cereal in a plastic bag, Trail Mix, meals ready to eat that are found at outdoor and camping supply stores.
- Can opener
- Bottled water – enough for 3 days.
- Packaged Handi-Wipes
- Matches and/or disposable lighter
- Folding white cane (there may be debris where you cannot work your dog)
- Small light weight blanket
- Towel
- Rain poncho
- First aid kit
For Your Dog:
- Dog food, enough for 3 days
- Water, enough for 3 days.
- Light weight plastic bowl
- Extra leash
- Bottled water – enough for 3 days.
- Extra leash
- Tie down
- Towel or blanket for dog to lie on.
- Pick up bags
- Set of booties for dog
For extra protection on your dog’s paws, you can use baby socks. Be sure to try them on your dog prior to placing into kit to ensure proper size.
Other items:
- Whistle on a lanyard. You can blow the whistle around your neck to help first responders in locating you.
- Flashlight with extra batteries.
- Small battery operated radio.
- You and your guide dogs informational sheets.
- Recent photo of you and your guide dog for identification if separated.
Keep in mind that dog food and water, along with your food and water won’t keep indefinitely. We suggest switching out your dog’s food, your food and water at least once a month to keep it fresh.