Tornado Tips for Pet Owners

Tornadoes are among the most terrifying and destructive natural phenomena – and they rarely give much warning. Having an emergency plan for your entire family – including your pets, is critical in staying safe during a tornado or severe storm. Take a look at this series of tips to help before, during and after a tornado strikes:

BEFORE A TORNADO:

  • Identify a tornado-safe area large enough for your entire family and pets (often a basement or the most interior room of the house on the bottom floor.)

  • Practice getting the entire family to the tornado safe area quickly during calm weather.

  • Make your tornado-safe area pet-friendly by removing any dangerous items such as tools or toxic products.

  • Keep your family and pet preparedness kits in your tornado-safe area or close by. Ensure that you have a crate for every animal.

  • Know your pet’s hiding places and how to quickly and safely extricate them. Eliminate any unsafe hiding areas from which it may be difficult to remove your animal in a hurry.

  • Prepare an emergency kit for your animals. We suggest to keep five to seven days of pet food and water in your to-go bag as well as all critical items, such as:

    • bowls for food and water

    • plastic bags

    • paper towels

    • toys

    • current photos of your pet

    • a two-week supply of medications

    • your pet’s vaccination records

    • a first-aid kit

    • litter and a litter box

    • harness or leash

    • treats

DURING A TORNADO:

  • If an evacuation is possible, take your pets with you. Make sure you take your pet preparedness kit and that your animals have proper identification.

  • If you cannot evacuate, take your entire family – including pets (both indoor and out) – to your tornado-safe room.

  • Pets should be put in crates or carriers in the safe room. If possible, place the crates under a sturdy piece of furniture.

AFTER THE STORM HAS PASSED:

  • Use caution allowing your pets and other family members outdoors.

  • Exit only AFTER the entire storm has passed.

  • Assess the damage yourself first before bringing your pets outside with you.

  • Keep your dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier.

  • Watch for objects that could cause injury or harm to your pet.

  • Allow your pets to become re-oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause your pet confusion or to become lost.

  • Keep pets away from food, water or other liquids that could be contaminated from the storm.

  • Keep pets away from downed power lines and debris.

A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

  • An injured or frightened dog can be emotionally unstable. Even the most loving pet will bite and scratch when traumatized. So…

  • Be calm with your dog and speak in a confidant and soothing voice.

  • Never shout at or hit your dogs if they’re unresponsive or won’t obey commands immediately; that will only increase their fear and stress.

  • If necessary, muzzle your dog to protect both of you.

  • Once the storm has passed, keep your dog close to you and on a leash until you’ve determined your situation. Dogs, as well as people, can become very disoriented during a storm or natural disaster.

  • If you’re forced to evacuate, don’t leave your pets behind or turn them loose.

Cheyene Gonzalez