Jefferson County Wisconsin Office of Emergency Management

09/06/2026

09/05/2026

Preparing for large animals like livestock during a disaster requires a specialized plan distinct from standard pet emergency planning. Because livestock are excluded from PETS Act mandates, owners must take extra steps to protect their herds and livelihoods.

Here is how you can prepare:

Ensure identification: Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
Evacuate early: Evacuate animals as early as possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.

Secure transport & handlers: Make available species-specific vehicles and trailers needed to transport and support each type of animal, along with experienced handlers and drivers.

Prepare destinations: Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care, and handling equipment.

Plan for shelter-in-place: If evacuation is not possible, decide whether to move large animals to a barn or turn them loose outside.

09/05/2026

Pet Emergency Preparedness Guide

Keeping Your Pets Safe Before, During, and After Disasters
Having a plan for you and your pets will significantly reduce difficulty, stress, and worry when you make critical decisions during an emergency.

Remember: If local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your pet should evacuate too. Leaving pets behind puts them at extreme risk of becoming lost, injured, or worse.

Key Actions for Your Pet Emergency Plan

Establish an Evacuation Plan: Many public emergency shelters and hotels do not allow animals inside (except for service animals). Identify pet-friendly hotels, out-of-area friends or relatives, or boarding facilities where you can safely take your pets long before a disaster occurs.

Develop a Buddy System: Coordinate with trusted neighbors, friends, or relatives. Designate and authorize someone to care for or evacuate your pets if you are trapped, injured, or unable to return home in time.

Ensure Microchip & Identification Details Are Current: Have your pet microchipped and verify that your registered address and phone number are completely up to date. Always include secondary contact details for an emergency contact residing outside your immediate area.

Consult Local Resources: Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control agency for specialized advice, community-specific resources, and local shelter protocols if you are unsure how to properly prepare for your pet's safety.

09/05/2026

A unique instructional video containing information for pet owners ...

09/04/2026

Safeguarding Critical Documents & Emergency Preparedness
Essential Household Checklist & Financial Safety Action Plan

At home, store important documents in a safety deposit box, on an external hard drive, or within a secure cloud service to ensure rapid access during a disaster. Take time now to safeguard these critical documents before an emergency strikes.

Security Warning: Be extremely cautious about sharing personal financial information, such as your bank account numbers, Social Security number, or credit card details. Always verify requests for sensitive data to protect yourself from fraud.
Critical Document Checklist
Review and compile these essential items to maintain continuity, prove identity, and streamline recovery operations following an emergency.

Category
Record / Item
Purpose & Recovery Function
Household Identification
Photo IDs
Proves identity for all household members during emergency re-entry.

Birth Certificates
Essential for maintaining or re-establishing contact with family members.

Social Security Cards
Required to apply for FEMA disaster assistance and federal relief programs.

Military Service Records
Establishes eligibility for specialized veteran support and benefits.

Pet Identification Tags
Helps identify, shelter, and reunite pets with family members if separated.
Financial & Legal
Housing Payments
Verifies financial records, lease obligations, and mortgage details.

Insurance Policies
Speeds up claims processing and helps re-establish financial accounts.

Sources of Income
Demonstrates financial capability to maintain payments and credit lines.

Tax Statements
Provides provider contact info and aids in FEMA assistance applications.
Medical Information
Physician Information
Ensures access to necessary medical treatment and doctor contacts.

Health Insurance Cards
Guarantees existing health coverage continues uninterrupted.

Immunization Records
Needed for shelter admissions and ongoing emergency healthcare.

Current Medications
Helps you get prescription refills quickly during evacuations or displacement.

Financial & Property Management
Managing Loan Obligations
Some individuals and households may experience financial difficulty during a disaster or global emergency.

Early Communication: If you do not think you can make your loan payments on time, immediately contact your bank or lending institution to discuss available relief options.
Avoid Delays: Reach out before skipping any payments or taking actions that violate your loan terms.

Property Insurance & Documentation
Home or business property insurance is the best way to ensure you have the financial resources to repair, rebuild, or replace what is damaged.

Take time to document and insure your property now.
Maintain digital back-ups of property photographs, appraisal records, and purchase receipts.

09/04/2026

Keep in mind that planning for a disaster also means making sure your finances are in order. Have you thought about how a disaster could affect your finances?

09/03/2026

Make sure your emergency kit includes your medication.

09/03/2026

Making a plan is just one step in being prepared. You should also have an emergency kit ready!

Being prepared for an emergency isn't just about staying safe during a storm or a disaster.

09/02/2026

Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area. Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find. And, don’t forget to think about...