As pets have become a more important part to our family units, so has their safety and wellbeing. And yet few of us are prepared in the event of a natural disaster. In order to make things a little easier we’ve put together a few simple tips on how to protect your pets should your area be struck by a tornado, hurricane, flood or fire.
One important thing to note is that in all of these disaster scenarios it is safer to evacuate with your family and pets. However, keep in mind that boarding facilities, kennels and animal shelters require your pets have all their vaccination up to date, or you might be turned away. Also, many emergency shelters do NOT accept pets for health and safety reasons, so pet-friendly shelters will fill up fast.
Tornadoes
Occurring at a moment’s notice, tornadoes can sweep through a neighborhood indiscriminately and wreak havoc in such a short period. Here’s what you can do…
Tornado Preparation
- Designate a tornado-safe location that will accommodate your entire family, including pets. A windowless room nearest to the ground floor is recommended.
- If you live in an area affected by tornadoes, get in the habit of doing "drills" with your family and pets during mild weather to ensure they will all know what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Stock your tornado-safe area with a pet emergency kit, and keep a crate in the designated area for each pet.
- Know where your pets hiding spots are, so you can grab them and take them to safety as quickly as possible. Limit their access to any unsafe or spots it may be hard to get your pets out of.
- If you can evacuate, don’t leave your pets behind. Take proper pet identification and emergency kits for your pets as well as your family.
During a Tornado
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If your family is weathering the storm inside the home, make it to your "safe room" and crate your pet as soon as possible. If you can, place the crates under durable furniture.
After a Tornado
- Always be extra careful when going outdoors following a tornado. Only exit the home after you and your family are certain the storm has passed.
- Keep your pets secured at all times. Cats should remain in their carriers, and dogs on a leash.
- Don’t allow your pets to go near water or other liquids on the ground outside; debris from the tornado may have contaminated the area.
- Keep everyone (including yourself) away from downed power lines.
Hurricanes
Although hurricanes have seasons (Jun.1-Nov.30 in the Atlantic and May15-Nov.30 in the Eastern Pacific) weather experts still have trouble predicting just how many storms regions will get each year and what their paths will be. Here’s what you can do…
Hurricane Preparation
- Designate a hurricane-safe location that will accommodate your entire family, including pets. A windowless room nearest to the ground floor is recommended.
- If you live in an area affected by hurricanes, get in the habit of doing "drills" with your family and pets during the off season to ensure they will all know what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Prepare a pet emergency kit and keep enough crates to hold each pet in the event of a storm in the designated area for each pet.
- If you can evacuate, don’t leave your pets behind. Take proper pet identification and emergency kits for your pets as well as your family.
During a Hurricane
- If your family is weathering the storm inside the home, make it to your "safe room" and crate your pet as soon as possible. If you can, place the crates under durable furniture.
After a Hurricane
- Always be extra careful when going outdoors following a hurricane. Only exit the home after you and your family are certain the storm has passed.
- Keep your pets secured at all times. Cats should remain in their carriers, and dogs on a leash.
- Don’t allow your pets to go near water or other liquids on the ground; debris from the hurricane may have contaminated the area.
- Keep everyone (including yourself) away from downed power lines.
Floods
Flood can also encroach rapidly and sometimes without much notice. Here’s what you can do…
Flood Preparation
- If you live in an area affected by floods, get in the habit of doing "drills" with your family and pets to ensure they will all know what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Know where your pets hiding spots are, so you can grab them and take them to safety as quickly as possible. Limit their access to any unsafe or spots it may be hard to get your pets out of.
- Prepare a pet emergency kit and if you can, evacuate with your pets.
During a Flood
- If your family gets stuck in your home during a flood, move to the upper floors or into your attic. During sever flooding, such as what occurred in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina, move onto your roof until help can arrive.
- Keep your pets are kept either on a leash or in a crate so that they do not accidentally run away.
After a Flood
- Stay indoors until after the water has receded.
- Don’t allow your pets to go near water or other liquids on the ground; in addition to debris, the water may be contaminated with infectious diseases and parasites.
- Keep everyone (including yourself) away from downed power lines.
Fires
Wildfires can begin with as little as o, especially during the driest seasons. Here’s what you can do…
Fire Preparation
- If you live in an area affected by fires, get in the habit of doing "drills" with your family and pets to ensure they will all know what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Know where your pets hiding spots are, so you can grab them and take them to safety as quickly as possible. Limit their access to any unsafe or spots it may be hard to get your pets out of.
- Prepare a pet emergency kit.
During a Fire
- Wildfires move quickly but will often give you enough time to evacuate. Household items can be replaced, family and pets cannot.
After a Fire
- Upon returning to your home be aware that wildfires may leave surrounding structures unstable and dangerous for wandering pets. Also, wild animals from the surrounding area may have been pushed into more residential areas, which pose a danger to your family and pets.
- Keep your pets on a leash or in a crate.
In an emergency situation, your family pets will need you more than ever. Take charge and be prepared. Here are some other great emergency preparation resources:
- The Human Society of the United States
- Ready.gov (for you and your pet)
- AVMA
- United Animal Nations
- FEMA