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

No matter where you live, you are likely to be at risk of some kind of natural disaster, be it hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, or snowstorms. There are many general precautions that will help ensure your pet’s safety during a crisis, especially if you need to evacuate your home.

Make an evacuation plan

As a general rule, do not leave your pet behind 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 each family member, dog included, is to create an evacuation plan. Select a family member who will be responsible for evacuating the family pet. Also, make arrangements with a neighbor or friend to bring your pet in case of an emergency when no one is home. The distress alert sticker on the front door will also help first responders locate your pet in the event of an emergency. 

Keep an emergency kit handy

Another great way to be prepared is to make sure your emergency kit includes the items your pet needs, including a collar, leash, pet food, medication, and a copy of the medical record. A first aid kit should also be stocked with pet 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 carrier. In the end,

Stay where you are during a natural disaster

In cases where an evacuation is not necessary, you can take steps to ensure the safety of your pets during a natural disaster. First, keep your pets calm and comfortable. Being with your family can be the best way to stay calm during an emergency situation. During a hurricane, you will stay in predetermined safe areas in your home such as a basement or basement. Smaller, windowless rooms are best if you need to get the family together quickly and make sure pet crates are securely tucked under heavy furniture.

Keep pets safe during a hurricane

Regardless of the weather, your pet must wear a collar with a valid ID and electronic chip. During severe storms, including hurricanes, you should keep pets indoors. If the threat of a tornado is severe, you should immediately put your cat in a cage as it may be difficult to protect your cat during a tornado. Likewise, keep dogs on a leash in case they need to move quickly or if the dog tries to escape.

Prepare your pet for a flood or hurricane

If you are at risk of flooding, you should stay indoors with your pets in the room with the highest height. If your entire house is flooded, move the family to the roof and wait for help. Also have adequate supplies to ensure that pet waste is disposed of appropriately, as you may not be able to get your dog out. If possible, feed your pet wet or canned food as this will reduce thirst. If your rescue group has flotation devices, consider including one for your pet. Flooding can also occur during a hurricane, but be sure to keep your pet indoors to avoid dangerous flying debris caused by strong hurricane winds.

Seismic safety for pets

Some natural disasters such as earthquakes happen suddenly without warning. During an earthquake, you should fall to the ground and stay as low as possible, finding a safe place under the door jamb or under the table. Try to keep your pet safe in a safe place, but don’t jeopardize human safety by chasing a pet. Most experts agree that during an earthquake, the best way to protect your pet may be to allow your pet to find safety on their own. Animals have great instincts, and trying to restrain a fearful animal can injure people and pets. ¹

What to do if you are indoors or outdoors during an earthquake

If you are indoors, your pet will likely find a safe place that may be small and only accessible to the pet. If you go out with your dog during an earthquake, go to the beach and crawl to 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 while looking for safety, but if you find yourself in danger or your dog is injured, you should let him go and find safety. Once the shaking stops, you will be able to search for your dog.

Freezing cold or winter storms

During extreme cold or snowstorms, keep pets indoors with very short outdoor excursions to allow dogs to take a bath break. Put puppies, large dogs, and short-haired dogs in  a jacket  before going outdoors, and dog socks are a good way to avoid frostbite. Always keep your dog on a leash and be careful not to smear the salt on the floor, as this can damage the dog’s paws. Be sure to wash your dog’s feet after walking to get rid of antifreeze salt, which may be harmful if ingested. Pay special attention to the foot pads and the spaces between the toes. The dog should also be dried with a towel to wipe off any moisture after leaving the house. 

A missing animal found after a natural disaster

After a natural disaster, the safety of your family and pets is a top priority. Be sure to see a doctor 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 in it, and a microchip can be very useful in this case. Most lost animals can be found at local shelters, and temporary shelters are often set up to facilitate large numbers of displaced pets. Try to visit as many shelters as possible and try to see for yourself each animal found because you don’t have to rely on verbal descriptions.

Also, be sure to check with your local veterinarian and obtain your pet’s microchip information. If you do not meet with your pet immediately, post the information on social media, message boards, local newspapers, and correspondence. Include current photos of your pet’s face and body from different angles and be sure to mention any distinctive 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 outside and observe. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your entire family, including your pets, can stay safe during and after an unfortunate natural disaster.