Every year we hear sad stories from pet bird owner's who have experienced an emergency requiring evacuation from one's home. Whether it be hurricanes, tornado's, earthquakes, floods, or even a terrorist attack, every bird owner should have a bird travel cage for each bird and develop a plan to take care of their parrots when water and electricity are not available.

CREATE AN EVACUATION KIT:  Planning ahead, prepare an emergency kit and practice simulated evacuation are the keys to a quick yet careful and organized evacuation during emergencies. We suggest that you purchase a medium sized Rubbermaid or similar brand plastic tub which has a lid that seals out moisture to place your parrot emergency items in. Label the tub and place it near your bird carriers. Also, have your parrot bird carrier assembled and labeled with your birds name, your telephone number and your veterinarian's telephone number in plain view. Be sure that you have written "REWARD IF RETURNED TO OWNER" on the carrier, as well.

• 5-7 days of bird food
• Bottled Water
• Pet Focus Disinfectant
• Roll of Paper Towels
• First Aid Kit including Styptic Powder
• Your contact information + your veterinarian's contact information
• At least one bath towel
• A Picture of your bird
• Leg Band and Microchip numbers
• Bird Harness
• Medications, if your bird requires them
• AviCalm

BIRD CARRIER PREPARATION:  Each parrot should have it's own bird carrier assembled and ready should an evacuation be necessary. Affix a label on the bird travel cage ahead of time. If you have several pet's it will be easier to have the label's prepared ahead of time and placed it in a location near your bird travel cage. Apply the proper label to the bird travel cage as you place your parrot inside its bird travel. Prepare labels with permanent ink to place on each bird carrier with the following information on each:

• Parrots Name
• Emergency Contact Name and Telephone
• Veterinarian's Name, Address and Telephone Number
• REWARD WHEN RETURNED TO OWNER Label
  
  

CREATE AN EVACUATION PLAN: Develop a plan of how you would get your parrots to safety and practice a simulated evacuation. Call your veterinarian ahead of time and request permission to have your parrots boarded with him/her if your parrot is lost and found by emergency personnel.

• What is the best way to load your vehicle if you have several pets?
• Identify your potential evacuation location
• Identify pet friendly hotels or shelters