Not only is the weather unpredictable, but it can also be dangerous depending on the time of year and where you live. The best defense against natural disasters is preparation. This means taking steps to make sure your entire family is safe, including your furry family members, who would be especially vulnerable during an emergency. A little disaster preparation for pets can help ensure their safety.

No matter where you live, you are likely to encounter some sort of natural disaster whether it’s a hurricane, flood, earthquake, or snowstorm. There are many general precautions that will help ensure your pet’s safety during a crisis, especially if you have to evacuate your home.

Make an evacuation plan

As a general rule, do not leave your pets if you are evacuating. You should always ensure human safety first, but for many pet owners, pet safety is just as important. One way to facilitate a safe escape for any family member, including the four-legged, is to create an evacuation plan. Choose a family member who will be responsible for evacuating the family pet. Also, make arrangements with neighbors or friends to include your pet in case of an emergency when no one is home. The rescue warning sticker on the front door will also help first responders find your pet in the event of an emergency. 

Prepare your emergency kit

Another great way to stay prepared is to make sure your emergency kit includes necessary items for your pet including a collar, leash, pet food, medication, and a copy of medical records. Your first aid kit should also be stocked with pet-friendly products. Depending on the space in your emergency kit, you can also include a litter box, cat litter, and perhaps a favorite toy or blanket to help keep your pet calm during a crisis. You should also have a stand or box ready to use at any time. Be sure to write your pet’s name and contact information on each operator. Finally, be sure to conduct evacuation drills that involve the whole family, including pets.

Stay in place during natural disasters

In cases where you don’t need to evacuate, you can take steps to ensure your pet’s safety during a natural disaster. First and foremost, keep your pet calm and comfortable. Being with the family is probably the best way to keep the whole family calm during an emergency situation. During a hurricane, stay in a designated safe area of ​​your home such as a basement or basement. Smaller, windowless rooms are best if you have to gather family members quickly, and make sure the pet’s crate is securely tucked under heavy furniture.

Keeping pets safe during storms

Regardless of the weather, your pet should wear a collar with a current identification number, as well as an electronic chip. During severe storms including hurricanes, you should keep pets indoors. If the threat of a tornado is severe, you should put your cat in a crate immediately as it will be difficult to keep your cat safe during a storm. Likewise, put the dog on a leash in case it needs to move quickly, or if the dog tries to escape.

Prepare your pet for a flood or storm

If you are at risk of flooding, you should stay home with your pet in the highest rise room. If your entire house is flooded, move the bed to the roof and wait for help. Also, get enough supplies to ensure proper disposal of pet litter as you may not be able to take your dog outside. If possible, feed your pet wet or canned food as this will reduce thirst. If your emergency kit includes a flotation device, consider including it for your pet. Flooding can also occur during hurricanes, but be sure to keep your pets indoors to avoid dangerous flying debris caused by strong gusty winds.

Earthquake safety for pets

Some natural disasters such as earthquakes happen suddenly without warning. During an earthquake, you have to fall to the ground and stay as low as possible, finding a safe place under a door frame or under a table. Try to keep your pet in a safe place, but do not risk human safety by chasing the pet. Most experts agree that during an earthquake, the best way to keep your pet safe is to allow your pet to find his own. Animals have great instincts and trying to restrain a fearful pet can injure people and pets. ¹

What do you do if you are indoors versus outdoors during an earthquake?

If you are indoors, your pet will likely find a safe area that may be small and only accessible to the pet. If you were outside with your dog during the earthquake, get down on the ground and crawl into an open space away from trees, buildings, and power lines. Your dog will be frightened and likely try to run away. Hold the leash firmly as you look for safety, but if you find yourself in danger, or your dog may be injured, you should let your dog go and look for safety. Once the shaking stops, you will be able to find your dog.

Cold storm or very cold winter

During severe winters or snowstorms, keep pets indoors and take very short trips outdoors so your dog can rest in the bathroom. Put puppies, older dogs, and short-haired dogs in  sweaters  before going outside, dog booties are a good way to avoid frostbite. Keep your dog on leash and beware of salt stains on the floor, which can damage your dog’s paws. Be sure to wash your dog’s paws after walking to remove defrosting salts that may be harmful if swallowed. Pay special attention to the pads of the feet and the space between the toes. Dogs should also be towel dried to remove moisture after leaving the house. 

Lost pet found after natural disaster

After a natural disaster, the safety of your family and pets is a top priority. Be sure to seek medical attention immediately and be careful when leaving the house. If your pet is separated from your family, there are many ways to ensure reunion. Hopefully your pet will wear a collar with your current contact information and the microchip can be very helpful in this situation. Most lost pets can be found at local shelters, and temporary shelters are often set up to facilitate the movement of large numbers of pets. Try to visit as many shelters as possible and try to see for yourself every animal you find because you don’t have to rely on verbal descriptions.

Also, be sure to check with your local veterinary clinic and get your pet’s microchip information. If you will not be reunited with your pet soon, post the information on social media, bulletin boards, local newspapers, and the mail. Include pictures of your pet’s face and body from different angles, and be sure to mention the different signs. While your pet may be desperately trying to get home, your pet may be confused or disoriented, so it’s up to you to get out and have a look. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your entire family, including your pets, can stay safe during and after an unfortunate natural disaster.