Bushfires are uncontrolled blaze which can burn acres of land and impact populated areas. They spread quickly and consume everything in their path in mere minutes. Recently, a ferocious bushfire raged through Alberta, Cananda, forcing nearly 90,000 people to evacuate. Both people and animals have been affected by the blaze, and many struggled to keep their furry friends safe from fire. Painfully, some were even forced to leave them behind.

Thanks to the idea of airplane pilot Keith Mann, rescuing dozens of animals onto a plane to evacuate them from the Fort Mcmurray bushfire became possible. Loading almost dozens of animals is against the rules of airlines. They often impose a limit on the number of animals that they can have on board and what parts of the plane pets can occupy. Mann explained that they had to disobey the rules to do what is right.

Around 300 animal lovers showed up at the airport carrying their pets, which are nearly 100 in tow. Even if these people lost their properties, it’s fulfilling that they don’t have to lose their furry family members.

Mann and his flight staff had to be innovative to transport a large number of people and a hundred animals that needed help. They had to separate animals that didn’t get along. Some animals took seats in the plane’s lavatory for the benefit of the smaller critters on board. They gave rides to a lot of animals over the course of about 50 hours. This phenomenal human and pet flight delighted the cabin crew, as well. They even made the cat part of the team and the dog as a security guard. According to the cabin crew, the animals did behave properly during the entire flight, and successfully no accident occurred. With the cooperation of the pilot and his cabin crew, the outstanding flight arrangements resulted in a successful evacuation of the animals and deserved an excellent appreciation.

The bushfire that happened is said to be one of the most devastating calamities. In such an event, one of your foremost priorities is the safety of your family, and your cute four-legged pet. How do you prepare for the evacuation of your pet? We have five tips to help keep your pets safe and sound during an evacuation.

We have five tips to help keep your pets safe and sound during an evacuation.

1. Make sure your pet has a collar with an ID tag. In case they get separated from you when chaos kicks in (let’s hope not!), it will be easier to people who found them to return them to you.
2. Prepare an emergency kit for your pets that includes:

• Enough supply of food and water that is safe for at least two weeks
• Blanket for your pets
• Gauze, alcohol and ointment in case they get injured
• Vet’s information, including the proof of vaccination of your pets

3. Don’t take chances. Evacuate with your pets as soon as you can!
4. You might be trapped in a situation that leaves you no choice but to evacuate without your pets. In this case, it is best to place them in a secured windowless room with dim lights inside your house to keep them from panicking and getting scared. Make sure you have enough food and water for your pets.
5. If your pets are not allowed to remain in your evacuation site, or you can’t travel with them, search for a pet-friendly evacuation site near you, and they will take good care of them.

Bushfires can endanger your property, family members, and pets. We implore everyone to prepare and stay safe.

Do you need more advice on how to keep your furry friends safe during emergencies? Visit our blog or use the form to contact us below.