According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), no community is immune from tornadoes. They've occurred in every state. They can drop down any day of the year, and at any hour. Wind speeds can exceed 250 mph with damage paths wider than a mile. Even with today's advanced radar, NOAA says the average lead-time for tornado warnings is only 13 minutes.
1. Have Identification. Micro-chip your pet. Otherwise be sure the pet collar has identification tags. If your cat stays indoors and does not wear a collar, consider keeping a collar with identification in a survival kit. .
2. Plan ahead. Know the safest place in your house before the storm warning is issued. Make all family members aware of where they need to go.
3. Know the weather terminology.
A severe thunderstorm or tornado watch means the conditions are favorable for the development of severe weather.
A severe thunderstorm or tornado warning means a severe storm or tornado has been sighted or tracked on radar.
4. Take cover. When a warning is issued, don't "wait to see what happens". Go to your safe place. During a storm or the commotion after, pets can get very upset. Keeping them contained in a crate can help prevent them from running away. Leashing may be an option, but a leash can get caught and pose a serious problem to the safety of a dog that is running loose.
5. Practice your plan. If you have multiple pets, assign a family member responsibility for each pet.
6. Know the dangers in the aftermath. Downed powerlines nails and sharp objects, and contaminated water are just some perils that put you and your pet at risk. Even wild animals that have been displaced from their normal habitat can pose a danger to your pet.
7. Know what to do if your pet escapes. Know what facility serves as your area animal control agency or humane society. Keep phone numbers in your phone list for easy access. If you find a stray pet, please consider bringing them to one of these shelters to facilitate a speedy reunion.
8. Maintain emergency provisions. Even if your area is not directly hit by the storm, you may be affected by utility interruptions and road closings. Besides food and water supplies, here are some additional items you may want to have in an emergency kit:
a. a pet first-aid kit
b. a properly sized carrier
c. disposable bowls and plastic spoons
d. a favorite toy or blanket
e. harness, leash, and muzzle
f. plastic bags for poop disposal
g. your pet's favorite comfort foods
h. A copy of your pet's immunization record.
For more information on preparing your pet for disasters go to
Dogster.com
