While special animal preparedness is important, making your pet plan a part of the general disaster plan makes it quick and easy to respond during a quake says MuttShack Animal Rescue.

Here are a few items you might want to include in kits that you should ideally have in your home, your car and at work:

• Medication, prescription list, a copy of your family's medical insurance cards, your doctor's name and contact information and the same for your pet.  Vaccinations, a picture and vet's name and contact.
• First aid kit and handbook
• Non-latex examination gloves
• Dust mask
• Extra eyeglasses in a strong case or another pair of contact lenses, plus cleaning solution
• Bottled water
• A whistle to alert rescuers to your location
• Sturdy shoes
• Emergency cash or traveler's checks - at least $30 per person
• Road maps
• A hard-copy list of emergency out-of-area contact phone numbers, and pet friendly hotels.
• Snack foods that are high in water and calories.  Canned pet food.
• Canned goods and a non-electric can opener
• Working flashlights with extra batteries and light bulbs or light sticks
• A battery-operated radio
• A fire-extinguisher
• Personal hygiene supplies
• Toiletries and special provisions needed for each member of the family, with special consideration for the elderly, disabled, small children and animals
• Copies of personal identification - driver's license, a work ID card, Social Security card

Store bottled water. The City of Los Angeles/Los Angeles Fire Department Earthquake Handbook advises one gallon of water per person for at least seven days.

Have on hand a fold out crate for your pet.  If you are relocated to a shelter, you will be happy not to have to live in your car with the worry that your pet will escape. Bring bowls for water and food.

A household disaster supplies kit is also important. This type of kit should be stored in a large watertight container that is easily moved with a three-day to one-week supply of these items:

• Wrenches to turn off gas and water
• Work gloves and protective goggles
• Heavy-duty plastic bags for waste and to serve as tarps, rain ponchos, etc.
• Additional flashlights or light sticks
• Canned and packaged foods
• Charcoal or gas grill for outdoor cooking and matches if needed
• Cooking utensils
• Pet food and restraints
• Comfortable, warm clothing and extra socks
• Blankets or sleeping bags, maybe even a tent
• Copies of vital documents like insurance policies

For a comprehensive 7-step plan to earthquake preparedness, please visit the Southern California Earthquake Center's "Putting Down roots in Earthquake Country" handbook.