As people, we have at least general plans for how to prepare for unexpected events. Hear the tornado sirens? Get everybody to the basement or an interior room with protection for your heads and a phone or radio to let you know when the danger has passed. Suspected blizzard? Make sure you've got enough food and water in the house in case you won't be able to get out. While we may think and assume that our pets are part of those plans, are they really? ready.gov has prepared some useful tips for make sure your pets are included in your preparedness plans as well.
Emergency Kit
It's a good idea to either have a small bag set aside or have a list of these items that you can quickly grab if needed. Some things to include in your pets' emergency kit are:
Several days' supply of sealed food and water, as well as bowls
Several days of any regular medication your pet takes
Back up leash and collar with identification
Copies of records (physical or electronic)
Familiar items - bedding, toys, treats, etc.
A photo of you and your pet for identification purposes
Seasonal Tips
When it's hot:
Never leave pets in the car, even with the windows down
Make sure your pet has access to plenty of water
Make sure there's shade if your pet is going to be outdoors a lot
Avoid exercising on extremely hot days
Test the sidewalk - if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for your pet
When it's cold:
If you're cold, your pets are cold
Wipe your dog's paws - ice melting chemicals can make them sick
Make sure your pet doesn't have access to antifreeze - to them it tastes sweet