Depending on where you live, you will most likely be forced to deal with a natural disaster of one kind or another. Whether it's a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, ice storm, forest or wild fire, severe winter storm or volcano eruption, you should have a plan in place for how your family will get through it. Emergencies effect animals as well as people, so it's important that you add supplies and other things for your pets to your survival kit and include them in your family's overall plan.

Most of us have kits with flashlights, water, food, batteries, a radio, etc., but often, we don't have anything for our pets. Don't assume they can take care of themselves. As the picture below shows, pets will NOT be ok when left alone during natural disasters or other emergencies.

This picture was taken by a FEMA worker after Hurricane Katrina on Sept. 9th, 2005.
It was taken TWELVE DAYS after the hurricane hit on August 28th.

The recommended plan includes bringing your pets inside when the weather starts getting bad and taking them with you if you need to evacuate. If it's not safe for you to stay, it's not safe for your pets, either. Planning ahead for the evacuation of your pets will save time, stress and possibly, lives.

Before the emergency occurs, you should obtain a carrier for each pet large enough for them to stay in comfortably for an extended period of time. Also, make sure you have ID on each pet and also on each carrier. I STRONGLY advise that you get them micro-chipped as well, which is a permanent means of ID. Your pet can lose his or her collar, but they can't lose the chip. Make sure when you register the chip that you provide an alternate contact, like a family member living some distance away, who can care for your pet in the event that your pet is lost and you can't be reached to get him or her back.

Keep your pets up-to-date on all of their vaccinations. Make copies of their license, vet's name, and medical records and take some good pictures of them so they can be identified if they get lost. Put all of these items in zip-lock bags so they can't get wet. You'll need to have this information if you have to board your pet somewhere temporarily or if they get sick or injured and need medical attention.

• A 7-day supply of food and water for each animal, and bowls to feed them with
• Leashes for dogs and harnesses or cat boxes and litter for your cats
• Chew toys and other treats, which will make your pets feel more secure and keep them occupied
• Copies of their licenses, medical records, vet information and photos (from above)
• The pet carriers, in a location where they can easily be obtained in a hurry if needed
• A 7-day supply of medications for your pets, if they need any

If you think you may have to evacuate, decide where you can go to safety. Make reservations and ask the number of pets allowed and fees. Some motels/hotels will change their policies and accept pets in an emergency situation, but call ahead first. If you can, call a family member and see if you can stay with them, which would probably be the best for everyone. Be aware that most shelters don't allow animals, so if you have to utilize one, be prepared for this and make other arrangements for your pets.

After the disaster, be sure to keep your pet safe when you return home. Keep them away from any nails, glass, or other things they can hurt themselves on and also make sure they aren't able to eat any spoiled food or other things lying around that could make them sick. If you need to, restrain them with a leash to keep them out of harm's way.

There is a 24-hour National hotline and tracking system in the U.S. developed by The American Humane Association and Sprint. If you lose your pet or find someone else's, please utilize this system to make sure all pets - yours or other people's - are returned safely to their families.