When Disaster is Imminent

As the disaster approaches:

• Don't wait until the last minute to get ready. Warnings of severe weather are often issued hours or even days in advance. Take advantage of this.
• Call to confirm emergency shelter arrangements for you and your companion animals.
• Bring companion animals into the house and confine them, so you can leave with them quickly if necessary. Make sure each companion animal and each carrier has up-to-date identification and contact information. Include information about where your temporary shelter is.
• Make sure your disaster supplies are ready to go, including your animal disaster kit.

Other evacuation tips:

• All mobile (and similarly constructed) home residents should evacuate at the first sign of a disaster.
• Evacuate to the safest location you can that is as close as possible to home. Long-distance evacuations can be a problem when highways are crowded.
• Listen to the news to learn of your community's disaster strategies. Contact agencies ahead of time to learn of emergency measures that are in place.
• If you do not have a car or other forms of personal transportation, arrange transportation with a friend, relative or commercial transport company - or learn ahead of time what modes of transportation will be available to you through community plans. Make certain that the transportation you take allows you to bring your animals.