Keeping Your Pet's Tornado -Safe,

 Before, During and After the Storm...

Tornadoes are among thee most terrifying and destructive natural phenomena – and they rarely give much warning. They are particularly scary for pets with all the wind and loud noise… Having an emergency plan for your entire family – including your pets,is critical in staying safe during a tornado or severe storm. Following the recent disaster that struck Joplin, Missouri, the experts at American Humane Association have put together a series of 10 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.

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 them to become oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause your pet confusion or to become lost.

·       Keep pets away from food or water or liquids that could be contaminated from the storm.

·       Keep pets away from downed power lines and debris.