Six Safety Tips for Surviving Hurricane Irene with Pets

MIAMI, Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As Category 3 Hurricane Irene makes its way across the Atlantic and nears the eastern coast of the United States this week, petMD.com urges pet owners to prepare for the storm and take their pets with them should they evacuate. The following six hurricane safety tips are meant to help owners and their pets ride out Hurricane Irene and any other storm that hits this season.

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1. Make a Plan - Simply put, be prepared. Decide on a course of action, and make sure you can initiate it at a moment's notice. Have supplies set aside in a safe, easily accessible place. It's like having candles or a flashlight under the kitchen sink in case of a black out. You may never need them, but if a blackout happens, there's no need to scramble in the dark because you know exactly where to go and what to do for light.

2. Be a Stickler - Whatever your decision is, stick to it. Otherwise, you may put your pet in real danger. If you decide to leave town at the first sign of warning, then do so as planned. No dilly-dallying. Changing your mind or changing the plan often leads to unnecessary accidents, as you are no longer prepared.

3. Get Your Kit On - A pet emergency kit isn't that much different than your own. Enough water for three days, non-perishable dog food or cat food (include a can opener if needed), cat litter, litter box, puppy pads, plastic bags, medicine and medical records for both you and your pet in waterproof containers, a solid carrier, leash, a picture of your pet on you in case the worst happens and you get separated. Tags and/or microchips will also make it easier to locate your pet, should it get lost.

4. Listen to Advisories - Stay tuned to the news reports. If you're forced to evacuate, you must do so at first warning. Moreover, it helps to have everything ready to go. We suggest a backpack that holds all the essentials for you and your pet. And make sure you know exactly where all the shelters are and how to get there.

5. Stay Calm - Whether you leave early, choose to stay, or are required to evacuate due to the storm's severity or house damage, remember to stay calm. Your pet can sense your emotions. So a calming demeanor may lead to a less-panicked pet. And don't forget to speak to it in a calm, soothing voice, too.

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petMD is a leading online resource focused solely on the health and well-being of pets. The site maintains the world's largest pet health library, written and approved by a network of trusted veterinarians. petMD was founded to inspire pet owners to provide an ever-increasing quality of life for their pets and to connect pet owners with pet experts and other animal lovers. petMD is a subsidiary of the Pet360 family of brands, which also includes PetFoodDirect.com – the most complete pet food and supply retailer online, and NationalPetPharmacy.com– a fully certified, full-service pet pharmacy delivering pet meds, vitamins and comprehensive pet health and wellness products.

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SOURCE petMD.com