Hurricane season is a familiar part of life along the North Carolina coast. While preparing your home and family for severe weather, it’s important to make sure your pets are included in your emergency plans, too.
Hurricanes can bring strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, power outages and evacuations, all of which can be stressful and dangerous for pets. Preparing ahead of time can make it easier to keep your entire family safe when a storm approaches.
Build a Pet Emergency Kit
Just as you prepare emergency supplies for the people in your household, set aside essential items specifically for your pets. Keep everything together in an easy-to-grab container or bag in case you need to leave quickly.
Your pet emergency kit should include:
- Several days of food and water
- Food and water bowls
- Any medications your pet needs
- A leash, harness and/or secure carrier
- Waste bags or cat litter and a litter box
- Copies of vaccination and veterinary records
- A current ID tag
- Microchip information
- A recent photo of your pet
- Familiar items such as a blanket or favorite toy
Check your kit periodically throughout hurricane season and replace expired food, medications or other supplies as needed.
Make Sure Identification Is Up to Date
Storms can be frightening for animals. Loud winds, thunder, unfamiliar surroundings and changes in routine may cause even normally calm pets to panic or try to escape.
Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an up-to-date ID tag before severe weather arrives. If your pet is microchipped, verify that your current phone number and contact information are registered with the microchip company.
It’s also a good idea to keep a recent photo of your pet on your phone. If you become separated, having a clear, current photo can make it easier to share information with shelters, rescues, neighbors and local community groups.
Know Where You’ll Go
Never assume that every emergency shelter, hotel or rental property will accept pets. Before a hurricane is approaching, research pet-friendly evacuation options and identify a few places you could go if you need to leave home.
If you plan to stay with friends or family, confirm ahead of time that your pets can come with you. Keep carriers, crates and leashes somewhere easily accessible so you aren’t searching for them when it’s time to leave.
Most importantly, if you evacuate, take your pets with you. Conditions that aren’t safe for people aren’t safe for pets either.
Keep Pets Secure During the Storm
Even if you don’t evacuate, pets should remain indoors throughout severe weather. Create a safe area away from windows and exterior doors where everyone can stay together.
Keep cats in a secure room or carrier when necessary, and keep dogs leashed when taking them outside. Flooding, fallen trees, debris and damaged fences can create hazards even after the worst of the storm has passed.
Familiar bedding, toys and treats can also help reduce stress and make an unfamiliar or noisy environment feel a little more comfortable.
Have a Plan in Case Your Pet Gets Lost
Despite our best preparations, pets can sometimes become separated from their families during emergencies. Knowing what to do ahead of time can make a major difference.
Heidi’s Hope for Homeless Animals has helped expand access to 24/7 self-serve Microchip Scanning Stations throughout New Hanover County. These stations allow community members to scan found pets for a microchip and can help reunite lost animals with their families more quickly.
If you find a lost pet following a storm, a nearby scanning station may help you determine whether the animal has a registered microchip and get them one step closer to home.
Don’t Forget About the Days After the Storm
The danger doesn’t necessarily end when the rain stops. Floodwater, downed power lines, broken fencing, debris and contaminated water can all pose risks to animals.
Keep pets supervised and leashed when outdoors until you’re confident your property and surrounding area are safe. Don’t allow pets to drink from standing or floodwater, and check your yard carefully for sharp debris, damaged structures or openings where a pet could escape.
Preparation Can Make All the Difference
Hurricanes are unpredictable, but preparing for them doesn’t have to be. Taking a little time now to gather supplies, update identification and create an evacuation plan can make an emergency much easier to navigate.
At Heidi’s Hope for Homeless Animals, we know firsthand how devastating hurricanes can be for pets and the people who love them. Through hurricane relief efforts, pet food and supply donations, microchip initiatives and other community programs, our mission is to help keep pets safe, supported and with their families where they belong.
As hurricane season continues, take a few minutes to review your family’s emergency plan — and make sure every four-legged member of your household is included.
