When a hurricane is here and water is pouring into your house is not the time to remember that you have pets and try to decide what to do to keep them safe. Make a plan for your pets while you have the time to think and to gather anything you need ahead of time. Here is a great article, part 2 in a series, by a disaster responder for animals. She worked during the aftermath of 9/11, taking care of the search and rescue dogs so they could keep going back, and she continues to work to save the lives of animals in disasters, both hands-on, and in getting others involved so the effort will be more widespread and help more animals. She also speaks and publishes articles on disaster medicine, hoping that if we all learn more about this, we can avoid some of the tragedies that occurred during previous disasters.

Her Part 1 article is very specific with great tips on preparing for disaster and even a disaster kit checklist for your pets. We may know when hurricanes or ice storms are coming, but we never know when things like an attack or other sudden emergency will happen, so do take a few minutes and read those great articles, then make a plan for the pets in your home.