What to Do When Disaster Strikes

Natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, fires and floods aren’t anything to joke about. They’re dangerous, fatal and can be quite terrifying. Our families’ safety during those tough times is extremely important, and pets are family. Preparation is extremely important when dealing with a dangerous situation and most of us don’t have a plan.

It’s important to think about all possible scenarios and what to do during each event.

Tornadoes

Tornadoes form in only a few moments and they take the same amount of time to flatten an entire neighborhood.

Preparing for a Tornado:

• Find a safe location in your house to go to that can hold all family members and pets. Be sure there are no windows and the room is close to the ground. Basements and bathrooms are the best place to go.
• If you live in Tornado Alley, practice drills with your family and pets.
• Stock the room with a first aid kit for your family but also a pet emergency kit. A pet emergency kit should include water, food, medications, proof of ownership, proof of recent vaccinations, emergency help list including the number of a vet, leashes, collars, pet carrier, ID tags, towels, toys, and cat litter (if your pet is a cat).
• Know where your pet likes to hid so if the time comes you can grab them quickly instead of trying to find them.
• If you decide to evacuate DO NOT leave your pet behind. Be a responsible pet owner.

During a Tornado:

• Get to your safe location in your home and crate your pet as soon as possible.
• Put the crate(s) under durable furniture.

After a Tornado:

• Be careful when going outdoors after a tornado. Only exit when you know it’s passed.
• Keep your pets secured at all times. Cats should remain in their carriers and dogs on a leash.
• Do not allow your pets to go near water or other liquids.
• Make sure to stay away from downed power lines.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are easier to predict than tornadoes, but sometimes their path can change and you only get a few days warning.

Preparing for a Hurricane:

• Find a safe location in your house to go to that can hold all family members and pets. Be sure there are no windows.
• If you live in an area known for hurricanes, practice drills with your family and pets.
• Stock the room with a first aid kit for your family but also a pet emergency kit. A pet emergency kit should include water, food, medications, proof of ownership, proof of recent vaccinations, emergency help list including the number of a vet, leashes, collars, pet carrier, ID tags, towels, toys, and cat litter (if your pet is a cat).
• If you decide to evacuate DO NOT leave your pet behind. Be a responsible pet owner.

During a Hurricane:

• Get to your safe location in your home and crate your pet as soon as possible.
• Put the crate(s) under durable furniture.

After a Hurricane:

• Be careful when going outdoors after a tornado. Only exit when you know it’s passed.
• Keep your pets secured at all times. Cats should remain in their carriers and dogs on a leash.
• Do not allow your pets to go near water or other liquids.
• Make sure to stay away from downed power lines.

Fires

Wildfires only take a small match to be ignited, especially if the land is going through a dry spell.

Preparing for a Fire:

If you live in an area affected by many fires, practice drills with your family and pets.

Know where your pet likes to hid so if the time comes you can grab them quickly instead of trying to find them.

Prepare a pet emergency kit. A pet emergency kit should include water, food, medications, proof of ownership, proof of recent vaccinations, emergency help list including the number of a vet, leashes, collars, pet carrier, ID tags, towels, toys, and cat litter (if your pet is a cat).

During a Fire:
Wildfires move quickly but you will have enough time to evacuate. Take your pets with you.

After a Fire:

• Be cautious of wild animals roaming around.
• Keep your pets on a leash or in a crate.

Floods

A flood can happen rapidly and depending on the situation, with little notice.

Preparing for a Flood:

• If you live in an area known for floods, practice drills with your family and pets.
• Know where your pet likes to hid so if the time comes you can grab them quickly instead of trying to find them.
• Prepare a pet emergency kit. A pet emergency kit should include water, food, medications, proof of ownership, proof of recent vaccinations, emergency help list including the number of a vet, leashes, collars, pet carrier, ID tags, towels, toys, and cat litter (if your pet is a cat).

During a Flood:

• Move to upper floors or even your attic.
• During severe flooding, move to your roof.
• Keep your pets secured at all times. Cats should remain in their carriers and dogs on a leash.

After a Flood:

• Stay indoors until the water has lowered.
• Do not allow your pets near the water.
• Keep everyone away from downed power lines.

Photo credit: alecperkins / Foter / CC BY