Learn tips for keeping you and your pets safe when severe weather strikes!
5/6/2025
Want to learn more about disaster prep before you take the quiz?
Read our Disaster Preparation Guide
Take our quiz to see if you know what to do when severe weather or wildfires are forecast in your area.
Question - of -
When should you make a plan for you and your pets in case of severe weather or wildfires?
That's right! Don’t wait until a storm hits: prepare now!
By preparing a kit and plan well before storm or wildfire season, you ensure the safety of your entire family, including your furry companions. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping them safe and stress-free during severe weather.
Don’t wait until a storm hits: prepare now! By preparing a kit and plan well before storm or wildfire season, you ensure the safety of your entire family, including your furry companions. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping them safe and stress-free during severe weather.
What type of storms should you prepare for?
Correct! Depending on where you live, different types of severe weather or wildfires are likely to occur.
It is important to do a bit of research to know the specific threats in your area, which will help you prepare. For example, Tornadoes and cyclonic storms (hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones) present different dangers. Tornadoes strike quickly, while cyclonic storms bring high winds, rain, and potential flooding. Knowing your area's specific threats helps tailor your plan.
Depending on where you live, different types of severe weather or wildfires are likely to occur. It is important to do a bit of research to know the specific threats in your area, which will help you prepare. For example, Tornadoes and cyclonic storms (hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones) present different dangers. Tornadoes strike quickly, while cyclonic storms bring high winds, rain, and potential flooding. Knowing your area's specific threats helps tailor your plan.
What are some essential items to assemble in a disaster kit?
Yes! When building a disaster kit for your pet, it is crucial to pack what they may need to be comfortable and safe for at least several days.
When building a disaster kit for your pet, it is crucial to pack what they may need to be comfortable and safe for at least several days.
What are some more important safety items to include in your disaster kit as well?
You got it! Having your pet's medical records and id tags, as well as sturdy equipment to keep them safe are all important items to include.
Having your pets medical records and id tags, as well as sturdy equipment to keep them safe are all important items to include.
How should you prepare your pet for a situation where you shelter in your home?
Right! It is a good idea to think ahead to identify the safest place to shelter in your home, then allow your pet to spend some time there with you. This will make it more likely that they will feel safe and calm when severe weather occurs.
It is a good idea to think ahead to identify the safest place to shelter in your home, then allow your pet to spend some time there with you. This will make it more likely that they will feel safe and calm when severe weather occurs.
How should you prepare your pet for a situation where you have to evacuate your home?
That's right. It's important to research if your pets will be allowed to accompany you where you are going and to come up with a backup plan in case shelters or boarding facilities are full. Don't forget to ask friends and family who live in safe areas if they would watch your pets if you are unable! If you think you may have to evacuate, it is also best to leave sooner rather than later if possible, as roads get backed up and shelters can fill.
It's important to research if your pets will be allowed to accompany you where you are going and to come up with a backup plan in case shelters or boarding facilities are full. Don't forget to ask friends and family who live in safe areas if they would watch your pets if you are unable! If you think you may have to evacuate, it is also best to leave sooner rather than later if possible, as roads get backed up and shelters can fill.
How can you help your pets cope with storm phobias?
Correct! Distraction is key, so playing with familiar toys and having a safe, quiet space for them is helpful to animals. Consulting a veterinarian or animal behaviorist IS a good idea as well! They can help you create a desensitization plan before storm season.
Distraction is key, so playing with familiar toys and having a safe, quiet space for them is helpful to animals. Consulting a veterinarian or animal behaviorist IS a good idea as well! They can help you create a desensitization plan before storm season.
Points reached:
The most important thing you can do to help keep your pets safe during severe weather and wildfires is to start planning now!
Understand the severe weather and wildfire threats in your area
Assemble a comprehensive disaster kit
Rehearse your response--both for sheltering in place and evacuation
Plan ahead for storm phobias
Want to learn more about creating your own Disaster Plan?
