When a storm is brewing or the ground begins to tremble, we instinctively know what to do. We stock up on supplies and plan and prepare our homes to weather the coming crisis. But what about the animals who rely on us for safety? At Lion Tigers & Bears, we understand that natural disasters like earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tropical storms, mudslides, floods, etc., can strike when least expected. That’s why we take emergency preparedness very seriously. As uncomfortable as it might be to consider catastrophic disasters and emergencies, ignoring the risks isn’t an option when lives are at stake.

How We Prepare for Emergencies

At Lions Tigers & Bears, ensuring the safety and well-being of our animals during emergencies is a top priority. Here’s a closer look at the detailed steps we take to prepare and protect our animals in times of crisis:

We Always Plan Ahead

We’ve put a lot of thought into our disaster plan to cover all kinds of emergencies—whether it’s a wildfire, flood, earthquake, or hurricane. Here’s what we do:

• Evacuation plans: We have clear steps for how to safely move our animals if we need to. We go over these plans often so everyone on our team knows exactly what to do.
• Secure habitats: Our animal enclosures are strong and sturdy enough to handle severe weather. We’ve ensured they’re safe and secure, so all types of animals in our care are protected even during extreme conditions.
• Stocked supplies: We keep a good supply of food, water, medical items, and first aid kits and check these supplies regularly to ensure emergency preparedness essentials are always ready.

We Do a Lot of Training and Practice

We believe that practice makes perfect, especially in emergencies. Our team is trained to handle various emergencies, including first aid for injured animals and managing stress in both animals and themselves. We also run regular drills to practice our emergency plans. These drills help us identify potential issues in our plan and ensure everyone is prepared to act quickly and efficiently.

Animal Welfare is A Top Priority

The health of our animals is paramount, especially during a crisis:

• On-site veterinary care team: We have a great veterinary medical care team ready to provide immediate animal care for any injuries or health issues arising during an emergency.
• Medical supplies: Our medical facilities are stocked with the necessary medications and equipment to handle various emergencies. We also have plans in place to obtain more if needed.
• Behavior monitoring: Our staff monitors the animals' health. If we notice any signs of stress, we take action immediately to help them feel better.

We have an Incredible Communication System

Effective communication is crucial in a crisis:

• Coordination with local authorities: We coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency management services to ensure we have the extra help we might need.
• Internal communication: We’ve set up a system to keep everyone on our team in the loop during an emergency. This helps us stay organized and act quickly.

We Also Prioritize Staff Safety

Our team ensures everything runs smoothly, especially in tough situations, and we love them for that. In an emergency, we ensure everyone knows exactly what to do. From handling animals to caring for themselves, our staff receives thorough training. Clear communication channels keep everyone connected during a crisis, helping us coordinate our efforts to stay on top of things.

We run regular drills so they feel confident and prepared, no matter what comes our way. We also provide all the necessary protective gear to keep our staff and volunteers safe. Whether it's gloves, masks, or other equipment, we ensure they have what they need to stay protected while caring for the animals.

And since emergencies are often stressful for everyone, we prioritize emotional support for our team. We encourage open conversations and provide support to help them manage the emotional toll of handling a crisis.

Donations Make All These Possible

All of the emergency preparedness measures we take at Lions Tigers & Bears wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our donors. Your contributions help us maintain our facilities, stock up on essential supplies, and ensure our staff and animals are ready for anything that may come our way.

Every donation, big or small, is crucial in keeping our sanctuary safe and secure. We’re deeply grateful for your continued support, and we encourage you to keep helping us protect the animals and people who call LTB home.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe in an Emergency

If you own a dog and cat or any other pet, here are some steps you can take to ensure the safety of your furry friends in the unfortunate event of a natural disaster.

• Prepare a kit with essentials like food, water, medications (at least a two-week supply), first aid supplies, and a few of your pet's favorite toys. Keep it in an easily accessible place so you can grab it quickly if you need to evacuate. Have at least a seven-day supply of food and water.
• Know where you’ll go with your pets if you need to leave home. Identify pet-friendly hotels or shelters in advance, and ensure you have a way to transport them safely.
• Store copies of your pet’s vaccination records, microchip information, and other important documents in a waterproof bag. Include a recent photo of your pet in case you get separated.
• Regularly practice how you’d evacuate with your pets. This will help them get used to the routine and reduce stress if you ever need to do it.
• Pets can sense your emotions, so stay calm during an emergency. Your calmness can help keep them from getting overly anxious or scared.
• Make sure your pets are microchipped and wearing up-to-date ID tags with your contact information. This increases the chances of reuniting if you get separated during an emergency.
• Keep an eye on weather reports and emergency alerts in your area so you have enough time to prepare and keep your pets safe.

With natural disasters becoming all too common, being prepared is more important than ever. At Lions Tigers & Bears, we’re committed to protecting every animal during these emergencies. Your continued support helps us stay ready. Together, we can keep our sanctuary safe and ensure our animals thrive, no matter the challenge.