As we watch the tragedy continuing to unfold in Louisiana following the devastation left by Hurricane Ida, one of the strongest hurricanes ever to hit the mainland, the importance of storm prep and planning becomes obvious.
Knowing what you’ll do if a storm is coming is a must for anyone who lives in a hurricane-prone area. It’s not smart to wait until a storm is on the way to start making plans, and that’s why FEMA has designated September as National Disaster Preparedness Month.
It’s a time to raise awareness about the importance of having a plan so that when a storm or other disaster occurs, you’re as prepared as possible. The theme of the 2021 National Disaster Preparedness Month is “Prepare to Protect.” Proper preparation helps you protect those you love—including four-legged family members.
When making plans for how you’d evacuate or ride out a storm, be sure to include your pets in the planning. Here are some tips to make sure you’ll be in the best position to care for every member of your family should a storm head your way.
Don’t Leave Them Behind
Leaving pets behind during a storm is something no good pet owner wants to do, and it can almost always be avoided with proper planning. As you consider where you’ll go should the need to evacuate arise, include your pets in those plans. Know where you’ll go and make arrangements ahead of time to bring your pets. Some hotels will make special allowances for people fleeing a storm with pets, but you need to make such arrangements in advance.
If you don’t have a friend or family member’s home where you can evacuate, find a few pet-friendly hotels in suitable locations. This way, should you need to leave, it will be as simple as loading the car and going rather than struggling to find a place where you can bring your dogs or cats.
Pet Disaster Kit
Another important part of storm prep is ensuring that you have the things you need on hand to survive an extended period without electricity, trips to the store, and even running water. We’re seeing the importance of this right now as people in Louisiana face the possibility of weeks without electricity, gas, and other essentials.
Those who have very well-stocked emergency kits are likely to fare far better than those who drove to the store the night before the storm to grab a few cans of ravioli—and it’s essential to include a disaster kit for each of your pets as well.
While fancy disaster kits are available, all you need to do is list out the things you need for your pet on a daily basis and then keep a supply of those things on hand. Items include:
- Food
- Water
- Treats
- Medication
- First Aid Items
- Extra Leash/Collar
- Litter/Litter Pan
- Life Jacket
- Blankets
- Collapsible Food/Water Bowl
- Current Vaccination Records
- Photos of Your Pets (in case you get separated)
So how much of these items should you keep on hand? As the people living through the tragedy in Louisiana are learning, more is better. At a minimum, shoot for two weeks of supplies, but it’s a good idea if you can build your kits out even further from there. Just be sure to rotate through the food and any other perishable items.
Keep in mind that at least part of your kit should be portable. For that reason, keep the items in large totes that can be quickly loaded into the car should you choose to evacuate.
Microchip Your Pet
If your pet isn’t microchipped, get it done as soon as you can. It gives you the absolute best chance of a reunion should you become separated. Once your pet is chipped, be sure that the contact information on the chip remains up to date.
Storm prep should always be on the mind of anyone who lives in an area where storms are common. Being prepared takes the panic out of the situation once a storm is named, and it ensures you’re ready to keep those you love—including your pets—safe and sound.
0
0
