Prepare Your PETS for Storm Season, too!

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

It's Hurricane Season! Pet Preparation is Important Too!

With Northwest Florida being such an active area for tropical storm and hurricane activity, most residents know the importance of preparing themselves for storm season.  While preparing yourself, your family, and your property, it is also imperative to prepare your PETS as well:

1. Make sure your pets are microchipped. If you and your pet get separated, this will provide the best chance of a reunion.  The microchip contains much more information than a standard ID tag and does not run the risk of falling off the pet.  Along with having your pet microchipped, be sure to update the information as it changes!
2. Determine which shelters or hotels are pet friendly ahead of time. If you wait until it is time to evacuate, it may be too late.  While more and more hotels and storm shelters are becoming pet friendly, the last thing you want to have happen is you arrive at another, safe location, and they will not allow your pet inside.
3. Utilize leashes, collars, and/or pet carriers. Use of these items reduces the likelihood that you and your pet will get separated.  You will also want to tag these items with you contact information in case your pet is separated from you while wearing a collar or within a pet carrier.
4. Be sure to pack plenty of pet supplies. As you are creating your Emergency Preparedness Kit for your family, be sure to include a week’s supply of your pet’s food, medication, and water as well.  You may also want to include pet toys and bedding in the emergency kit.
5. Identify the location of local animal shelters. If you and your pet are separated during a storm event, an animal shelter is a good place to begin looking.  Knowing ahead of time where shelters are located could help reduce the amount of time you and your pet are separated.

Preparation is KEY during storm season to ensure the safety of your loved ones, your property, and your PETS!  For more pet preparedness information, visit The American Red Cross’ Pet Disaster Preparedness site, and if you do find that your property sustains storm damage, know that SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County is Here to Help!