Often a warning is issued by the National Weather Service of approaching storms. They will announce hours or days before a storm hits the area.

At the first hint of a disaster, act to protect your pet and start putting your emergency plan into action.

Call ahead to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your pets (if there is an emergency shelter in your area).

Check to be sure your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment’s notice.

Bring all pets into the house so that you won’t have to search for them if you have to leave in a hurry.

Make sure all dogs and cats are wearing collars and securely fastened and up-to-date identification. Attach the phone number and address of your temporary shelter, if you know it, or of a friend or relative outside the disaster area. You may buy temporary tags and put adhesive tape on the back of your pet’s ID tag, adding information with an indelible pen.

You may not be home when an evacuation order comes. Find out if a trusted neighbor would be willing to take your pets and meet you at a prearranged location. This person should be comfortable with your pets, they should know where the pets are likely to be hiding, know where your pet disaster supplies kit is kept, and have a key to your home. (If using a pet sitting service, they may be available to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance with your sitter/client/neighbor.)

Planning and preparation will enable you to evacuate with your pets quickly and safely.

Bear in mind that animal react differently under stress. Outside your home and in the car, keep dog securely leashed. Transport cats in carriers. Don’t leave unattended anywhere- when scared they can run off. The trustworthiest pets may panic, hide, and try to escape, or even bite or scratch.

When you do return home, give your pets time to settle back into their routines. Consult your vet if any problem behavior persists.

If you take all of these precautions, staying together as a family without injury to you or your family members (pets included) will be one less thing for you to worry about if your house is gone or damaged.

Dogs look up to you. Cats look down on you. Give me a pig. He just looks you in the eye and treats you like an equal.
- Winston Churchill