5 Tips to Prepping Your Pet For Tornado Season

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

TopFeatures
1
ADVERTISEMENT

If the siren is sounding, it’s too late to prepare your pet for a tornado warning. With storm season approaching, keep these five tips in mind to keep your pets safe the next time you need to take shelter..

Living in the Midwest, we never make it through a spring without heading down to the basement at least once. A year ago, a rather benign-looking storm dropped a twister just a mile from our house. My kids and I ran downstairs, wondering too late what to do about our two house cats, a snake, a couple rabbits outside, and caged birds.

Fortunately, while the local school didn’t fare so well, our home was spared. But the whole experience was a little too close for comfort. I resolved to be ready next time. Here are my five tips to preparing pets for a possible warning when a tornado watch is issued:

1) Know where your pets are

A pet that spends most of its time in a cage or tank is easy to locate. But cats, rabbits, and other animals that roam free in the home can find tight spaces to sleep. And pets that spend part of their day outside in the backyard, like dogs, cats, tortoises, and rabbits, are safer if they’re inside with you when the clouds darken.

Related:Do You Have An Emergency Plan For Your Dog?

2) Keep emergency pet supplies in your storm shelter

Just as your family should have bottled water and snacks available in the shelter area, so should you do the same for your pets. If you live in an apartment or trailer home where you will need to leave your home to find shelter, pack a designated bag with emergency items to bring with. Otherwise, just keep your in-home shelter stocked. Must-have items include:

    4) Have appropriate travel carriers on hand for your pets

    Some cats or dogs become nervous during storms and may not do well being carried by hand or called to the shelter. Know your pet! Also, for other pets — from snakes to parrots to fish to tarantulas — plan ahead about whether you can bring the animal’s entire habitat into the shelter or if you will need to use a travel carrier.

    Related:Phone Numbers Every Pet Parent Should Have On Hand

    4) Hold mock tornado drills

    It’s helpful for humans to practice the drill for when a tornado siren sounds. When pets are involved, it’s crucial to practice the process of not only gathering emergency supplies ahead of time but also how you will be getting your pet, yourself, that emergency kit, and any other items you deem necessarily in your shelter. Review what part of the process you can do ahead of time, when a tornado watch is first issued, and what has to wait until a warning is sounded. Consider how you would change the process depending on how much warning time you’re given for a specific storm.

    5) If your home is damaged by a storm

    Hope for the best, and plan for the worst. I hope you are never the victim of a tornado. But if your home is hit by a twister, its important to be ready for that. Your emergency supply bag should have enough items to tide you and your pet over until help arrives. Once you’re free of the shelter:

    Keep your pet on a short leash.

    Comfort your distressed pet.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    Regent Parakeet

    With their affectionate temperament and energetic and fun behavior, Regent Parakeet will make a wonderful avian companion as well as a loving pet.

    7 Sticky Static Cling Tips to Stop Fur From Flying

    There''s hair, everywhere! Pets shed and leave a hairy mark on our clothes. Get rid of furry static cling with these tenacious tips.

    Jarkie

    The Jarkie is a sweet, sassy pooch with a lot of energy. This designer dog is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Japanese Chin.

    Black Dog Syndrome: Belle’s Story Common Among Shelter Dogs

    Have your ever heard of Black Dog Syndrome? It''s not a disease or a condition that dogs suffer from, it''s actually a problem with humans!

    Take A Close Look – Study Shows That Dogs Look Like Their Owners

    Scientists have finally uncovered just what it is that makes dogs look like their owners. Turns out, it’s all in the eyes. Sadahiko Nakajima, a psychol…

    Poogle

    The Poogle is a hybrid breed that is increasing in popularity. These little dogs are known for their loving temperaments and affectionate personalities.

    Fabulous Felines: Here Are 5 Most Expensive Cat Breeds In The World

    From exotic hybrids to classic and noble felines, here are the most expensive cat breeds in the world – you might be surprised which of them made the top five list.

    5 Tips to Prepping Your Pet For Tornado Season

    Prepare your pet for a tornado warning. With storm season approaching, keep these tips in mind to keep your pets safe when you need to take shelter.

    Irish Draught Horse

    In addition to being a strong, versatile, and attractive breed, the Irish Draught Horse is also known for its endearing personality.

    Pitbull Petrified Of Suspicious-Looking Pineapple [Video]

    We all have opinions when it comes to the foods we don’t like. Some of us will make loud gagging noises when the offending food is mentioned. Others wi…

    Pinto Horse

    The Pinto Horse is bred for its color pattern. This is multi-talented horse and it can be used in a variety of settings and for a variety of tasks.

    Fresh Water On-Demand With The PetSafe Drinkwell Fountain

    Water is an essential part of a dog''s wellness. Cool, fresh and on-demand - the PetSafe Drinkwell Fountain offers your pet water whenever he wants it!

    Missouri Fox Trotter

    The Missouri Fox Trotter is known for its calm and gentle nature. This horse breed is docile and reliable, and it thoroughly enjoys being around people.

    Fo Tzu

    Fo Tzu is a recent designer dog breed and it is developed by crossing a Toy Fox Terrier to a Shih Tzu. Read to find out moe about these playful dogs!

    Adoptable Dog of the Week - Nacho

    If you lack some fun in your life, this goofy boy is more than ready to provide it! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Nacho, a 2 year old Labrador Retriever from Salt Lake City, Utah.