When disaster strikes, it is crucial that you and your family stay safe – and that includes your pets. By having a plan and practicing it, you can be prepared to act at a moment’s notice should a major storm come your way.

BEFORE THE STORM

• Microchip pets or put a tag on their collar with your name, address and cell phone number so they may be returned quickly in case you are separated from your pets. Be sure that any microchip information is up to date.
• Tie down or anchor outside objects that might fly about and injure someone.
• Have a plan already established on which family member is responsible for your pet’s needs (who will grab the pet, the food, medications, water, disaster preparedness kit, carrier, etc.).
• Know a safe place where your pets can go if you need to evacuate or seek shelter. Evacuation destinations may include a friend or family member’s home, going to a pet-friendly hotel, or temporarily housing your pet(s) at a boarding facility. Plan multiple routes to your safe destination. Review your evacuation plan and double-check emergency supplies – including, medications, bowls, water, and food.
• Evacuate your family and pets as early as you can and remember to take your disaster preparedness kit for your pets (i.e. First Aid kit, leashes, and pets’ carrying cases, bowls, sanitation materials, medications, chew toy, minimum 3 days, ideally 7-10 days of food, meds, water, your veterinarian’s contact information, a photo of your pet).
• Bring outdoor animals inside with a carrier large enough for them to turn around and lie down comfortably.
• Have a carrier ready. Portable carriers(s) should be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Practice loading cats and dogs into pet carriers before you have to.
• If your family must evacuate, take your pets with you.

DURING THE STORM…IF YOU CANNOT EVACUATE

• Choose a safe room for riding out the storm—an interior room without windows – and take your entire family there, including your pets.
• Stay with pets. If crated, they depend on you for food and water. Don’t leave pets in vehicles.
• Keep your emergency kit in that room with you (food, water, medications, litter, meds, etc).
• Know your pet’s hiding places. That’s where they may run, so make sure to keep them with you.
• Secure exits and cat doors so pets can’t escape into the storm.
• Do not tranquilize your pets. They’ll need their survival instincts, should the storm require that.

AFTER THE STORM

• Make sure the storm has fully passed before going outside and assess damages before allowing children or animals out.
• Keep dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier, and children close at hand. Displaced objects, downed powerlines, and fallen trees can disorient or injure pets, and sharp debris could harm them as well.
• Give pets time to become re-oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause a pet to become confused or lost.  Familiar bedding will many times help alleviate some of the stress related to being displaced.
• Keep animals away from sitting water that may be contaminated.
• Uncertainty and change in the environment affect animals, too, presenting new stresses and dangers. Your pet’s behavior may change after a crisis, becoming more aggressive or self-protective. Be sensitive to these changes and keep more room between them, other animals, children, or strangers. Animals need comforting, too. Comfort your pet with kind words and lots of pats or hugs. If possible, provide a safe and quiet environment, even if it is not their own home.