Safety

How to Prepare for a Hurricane With Your Pet

By Michelson Found Animals

Not sure what to do before, during or after a hurricane? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s how to prepare for a hurricane with your pet!

Before

Before there’s any sign of a hurricane, form an evacuation plan. Make sure everyone in your home is familiar with it. The plan should include evacuating somewhere that will accept cats and dogs, such as a pet-friendly hotel or shelter. You should also microchip your pet!

You should also pack an emergency kit for yourself and your pet. It should contain:

Supplies for yourself (food, flashlight, radio, etc.)
Pet food and water
Pet food and water bowls
Pet medical records
Pet toys
Pet treats
Medication
Litter box and litter or poop bags
Pet bed
Pet carrier
Leash
Collar
Harness
Blanket

Here are other steps you should take around your home well before a hurricane:

Make digital copies of important documents.
Install check valves on your plumbing.
Declutter your drains and gutters.
Install hurricane shutters.
Review your insurance policies.

Here are the steps you should take 36 hours before a hurricane hits:

Tune into emergency channels to stay informed on weather patterns.
Stock your emergency kit and keep it close by for a quick exit.
Review your evacuation plan.
Make sure your car is in working order and has a full tank of gas.

Here are the steps to take 18-36 hours before a hurricane:

Bring lawn furniture, trash bins and other objects inside so they don’t blow away.
Trim or remove trees that are close to your home.
Cover all your windows. We recommend permanent storm shutters, but plywood works in a pinch.

When the hurricane is 6-18 hours away, make sure you’re tuned into emergency channels and charge your cell phone. Then follow these steps when the hurricane is 6 hours away:

Plan to stay wherever you are if you’re not in a recommended evacuation area.
Let friends and family know where you are.
Close storm shutters.
Stay away from your home’s windows.
Crank up your fridge and freezer to the coldest temperature and only open it when completely necessary.
Keep a thermometer in the fridge in case you lose power and need to check food temperature later.

During

Here’s what to do during a hurricane:

Keep your pets with you in a carrier or on a leash with a collar and ID tag!
Keep calm and speak to your pet in a soothing voice.
Evacuate as soon as the authorities tell you to.
Do not drive around barricades.
Do not enter flood waters. Even 6 inches can be dangerous.
Stay off of bridges that are over fast-moving water.
If trapped in a flooded building, go to the highest level, but not into a closed attic.
If sheltering from high winds, escape to a FEMA safe room, ICC 500 storm shelter or small, interior and windowless hallway or room. Go to the lowest floor that isn’t flooded.
Only use a generator or other machinery powered by gasoline outdoors and away from your home’s windows.

After

Follow these steps once the hurricane is over:

Listen to the authorities!
Only return to your home when the authorities say it is safe to do so!
Don’t touch any wet electrical equipment or if you are wet.
If it’s safe, turn off your electricity using the main breaker or fuse box.
Stay away from flood water which may have dangerous debris or present the risk of electrical shock.
Text your friends and family or use social media to update them.
Only make actual calls if there’s an emergency since phone systems tend to have problems during natural disasters.
Document any damage for your insurance company.

Your pet will probably be very anxious at this time. Keep them on a leash or in a carrier until the surrounding area is 100% safe and your pet is calm.