disaster preparedness for your pet
Now is the time to ensure your pet’s records are in order. Make sure you have a file with your pet’s Microchip Enrollment Records, Vaccination Records and a current photo of you with your pet in case you are ever separated. Also keep a listing of pet-friendly hotels nearby and local shelters and humane societies near you.

At the first mention of an impending disaster, take action!

PREPARING FOR
HURRICANES
& FLOODS

KNOW WHERE TO GO
If an evacuation is ordered, know your local hurricane evacuation route and have a plan for where you can stay with your pets.

If you don't know where you can stay with your pets, contact your local emergency management agency for more information.
Plan and prepare
Assemble an emergency supply kit including:
Important Documents
Medications
Personal Identifications
A Flashlight and Batteries
3 Days of Fresh Water
Cash
First Aid Supplies
Emergency Supplies for your Pet, Too!
Keep your cellphone fully charged
LISTEN TO AUTHORITIES
Sign up for any text or email emergency alerts. To find what is available in your area "Google" your city or county name and the word "alerts"

If evacuation orders are given, leave immediately for your personal safety and to avoid traffic jams.  Do not put emergency responders in a position to risk their lives later because you did not listen to evacuation orders.  If you don't have a safe place to evacuate (with your pets), contact your local emergency management agency for guidance.
ONLY RETURN HOME WHEN AUTHORITIES SAY IT IS SAFE!
  • Downed power lines near a flood can be a common source of electrocution.
  • Flood waters are UNSAFE for drinking or submersion - they may contain toxic substances.
  • Even if your pet knows how to swim, the current & the contents of the water are unpredictable and possibly dangerous.
  • Exposed wires or applicances that have been soaked may cause a shock hazard.
WHAT IF A HURRICANE OR RISING WATERS ARE HEADED YOUR WAY AND YOU ARE NOT ADVISED TO EVACUATE?
  • Be sure to stock essential supplies in case you lose power and water for several days or you are not able to leave due to flooding or impassable roadways
  • Don't forget extra water and food for your pets, too.
  • Develop an emergency evacuation plan and practice it with everyone in your home - including your pets.
  • Plan should include a designated safe meeting place and out of town emergency contacts.

DOWNLOAD HURRICANE AND FLOOD HANDOUT

EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDE

PREPARING FOR
WILDFIRES

EVACUATION PLAN
Develop and practice your plan with everyone in your home - including your pets - making sure you have a place to stay with your pets.
Know two ways out of your neighborhood.
Gather any items you and your pet would need.
Keep out of town emergency contact info.
Coordinate a designated safe meeting place.
EMERGENCY KIT
Assemble an emergency supply kit including:
Important Documents
Medications
Personal Identifications
A Flashlight and Batteries
3 Days of Fresh Water
Cash
First Aid Supplies
Emergency Supplies for your Pet, Too!
Keep your cellphone fully charged
PROTECT YOUR HOME

REMOVE

Remove leaves and debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks and remove all dead vegetation around your house. Don't forget under your deck or porch.

MOVE

Move any flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks) should be at least 30 feet from your home, garage and shed.

REPLACE

Replace or repair loose or missing shingles and cover exterior vents with metal wire mesh to prevent embers from entering your home.

WATER

Water and maintain your lawn.  Cut down any dead vegetation and dispose of all cuttings quickly.  Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
DURING THE TIME A WILDFIRE IS IN YOUR AREA...
  • Keep up to date with the latest news and updates from your local news and fire department.
  • Place your emergency supply kit and other valuables in your vehicle.  Don't forget crates and emergency supplies for your pets.
  • Follow the PROTECT YOUR HOME guidelines on this page.  Also move all outdoor wooden furniture, patio cushions, door mats, potted plants and wooden containers indoors or as far away from your home as possible.
  • Connect your garden hoses.  Firefighters may need your water to put out fires on rooftops!
  • If your home is at risk of being threatened, leave before you're told to evacuate.  If evacuation orders are given, leave immediately for your personal safety and so you do not block firefighters and equipment from accessing your area.
RETURN HOME WHEN AUTHORITIES SAY IT IS SAFE!

DOWNLOAD WILDFIRES HANDOUT

EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDE

PREPARING FOR
EARTHQUAKES

STAY SAFE
Earthquakes occur with no warning and at varying magnitudes. Some can be so strong you will be knocked to the ground and unable to run or crawl.  It is important to immediately protect yourself as well as you can right where you are.  Do not try to run to another room to take cover under a table.
DROP, TAKE COVER AND HOLD ON!
1
DROP to the ground before the earthquake knocks you down.
2
TAKE COVER by getting under a sturdy desk or table. Or in an inside corner of the building and cover your head and neck with your hands and arms.
3
HOLD ON to sturdy objects while still covering your head and neck until the shaking stops.
YOUR PETS
Pets have natural instincts to protect themselves and hide.  Do not try to hold or comfort your pet during the shaking of an earthquake.  Under duress, if you interfere with their natural survival instincts, even the nicest and most well behaved pets can panic and turn on you.

Keep any outdoor pets indoors until aftershocks have subsided and the pet has calmed down.
LISTEN TO AUTHORITIES
Sign up for any text or email emergency alerts.  To find out what is available in your area, "Google" your city or county name and the word "alerts".  Turn on a radio for additional updates.

DOWNLOAD EARTHQUAKE HANDOUT

EMERGENCY PLANNING GUIDE