Preparing Your Pets For a Hurricane

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

We love our furry friends like family, so when you're creating your emergency plan this hurricane season, be sure to include a plan for your pets!

While you may need storm damage restoration services for your home after a major storm hits, you should also make a plan for the safety of your family during the storm, which includes our furry friends. June is National Pet Preparedness Month, which makes it the perfect time to develop an emergency plan for your beloved pet, especially now that we are in hurricane season. Below are a few steps that you can take to ensure that your pets are prepared.

How to Protect Pets From Inclement Weather 

1. Secure Identification

 There is a chance that a cat or dog could become lost in the mayhem of a hurricane, so having proper identification to ensure that they are returned home safely and as quickly as possible is critical. All pets must be microchipped so that vets and shelters have the ability to scan the animal and quickly uncover ownership information. Along with the microchip, your pets should also be wearing a collar that has your dog's name, your name, and cell phone number. Having your contact information is useful to whoever finds your pet, they can return them without having to go to a vet clinic or animal shelter to have the chip scanned. 

2. Establish an Evacuation Plan 

When a major storm is set to hit, all animals should be removed from the home prior. Not all emergency shelters allow pets so it is best to call hotels or other types of lodging to ask about their pet policies. Sometimes in a storm situation, establishments may waive the ban on pets due to the emergency, or accept them for an additional fee. If you can not find a suitable solution, contact friends or family away from the storm zone and ask if they would allow the pets to stay with them. It is best to have multiple options in case your initial plans fall through. Remember if you are in an evacuation zone and leaving, your pet should be as well. 

3. Create an Emergency Kit 

If you and your family do need to evacuate, it is crucial to have an emergency kit prepared. Emergency kits guarantee that you have the necessary items you need to survive until you can return home. Pet kits must include food, freshwater, any medications, leashes, and carriers. If there's space, include toys and bedding to make your animal more comfortable. Have emergency supplies assembled and ready to go well before the hurricane is due to arrive.

If when it is safe to return home, you find that your home had experienced the effects of a storm, SERVPRO of South Fleming Island/ North Bradford County is here to help. Serving Clay County and surrounding areas, our 24/7/365 emergency crews are ready to respond if you suffer from water, fire, or storm damage and need restoration and reconstruction services. We are here to make it "Like it never even happened." 904-290-4040!