The Thomas Fire, which has burned homes in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, reached 88 percent containment as of 12.26.17, after charring over 280,000 acres, according to abc News. Cal Fire statistics label the Thomas Fire as the largest California wildfire in modern history.
If you aren’t in the middle of a fire or another emergency, now is the time to prepare yourself and your pet for the next emergency. Studies show that only one-third of cat and dog owners have a disaster preparedness plan in place. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) urges pet owners to develop an emergency plan in advance to keep their families and pets safe.
Tim Rickey, senior director of ASPCA Field Investigations and Response says: “It doesn’t matter where you live, anyone can be hit with a natural or man-made disaster. When you’re in the moment, it can be very stressful for you and your pets. Having a plan in place ahead of time can save you precious time and energy, so you can focus on quickly getting you and your pets to safety.” For pet owners who do have an emergency plan in place, the ASPCA’s national study found that an overwhelming majority (85 percent of dog owners; 81 percent of cat owners) intend to bring their pets with them in the event of an evacuation. Rickey agrees: “If officials order an evacuation, you should take your pets with you. If it’s not safe for you, then it’s not safe for your pets.”