Know where to go:
You should not leave pets at home, especially if you live in an evacuation area. Even if they survive the storm, they may flee a damaged home and be lost in the chaos. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster, however, so plan ahead.
Ask friends, relatives or others outside the area whether they could shelter your animals in the event of an evacuation.
In advance, contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets and restrictions on number, size and species. Ask whether "no pet" policies could be waived in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" places, including phone numbers, with other disaster information and supplies. If you have notice of an impending storm, call ahead for reservations. The Web site Pets Allowed Hotels can help in your search to find pet-friendly lodging.
Ask your veterinarian for suggestions on boarding your pet in the event of a hurricane
Vaccinate your pet: If you haven't already done so, get those shots now. Healthy pets have a greater chance of surviving the stresses of a storm. Infectious diseases can become a big threat after a disaster. Shelters and boarding facilities will ask to see your proof that vaccinations are up to date.
If your pet suffers from anxiety, or if he weathered the last storms badly, consider asking the vet for some tranquilizers (not for you, for the dog).
Get your pet an ID tag: If a pet becomes lost or escapes during the confusion of an evacuation, proper identification will increase the chances of a safe return home. Consider having your pet tattooed or "microchipped." Home Again is a good site to check for information.
Get a pet carrier: You will need a pet carrier or cage for each dog, cat, bird or small animal. Make sure it is large enough for each pet to stand up and turn around comfortably inside. If you have to, you can house more than one animal per carrier, but don't mix different animal species together.
Smile for the camera: Take clear, color photos (frontal, left and right sides) of your pet, and store these with your pet's license, medical records and ownership papers in a waterproof carrier to take with you.
Assemble your pet disaster kit: It should include medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container; a leash and a properly fitted collar or harness for each pet; non-spill food and water dishes and a 14-day supply of food and water in non-breakable containers; a manual can opener; grooming supplies; your pet's blankets and special comfort items, like his favorite toy; and cleanser and disinfectant to handle wastes including newspapers or litter, paper towels and plastic bags.
Stock your pet emergency kit: You might need tweezers for removing thorns, ticks or anything else caught in your pet's mouth or skin; scissors; tape, gauze pads and a roll of gauze to clean, cover and cushion injuries; iodine prep solution, an antiseptic solution for cleansing wounds or burns; alcohol pads to clean scissors, tweezers and hands; antibiotic ointment; styptic powder to stop bleeding; buffered aspirin for pain and inflammation and Benedryl to reduce allergic reactions to insect bites ; and a thermometer (the normal temperature in dogs and cats is between 101 to 102 degrees); and a blanket or towels for warmth.
After the stormBe careful about letting your pet outdoors. Landmarks and familiar scents might be gone, and your pet might get lost. It might also be attacked by animals let loose by the storm. Don't let it consume contaminated food or water.
Sources: The U.S. Humane Society, PetsMart, and the The Red Cross,offers free information about disaster preparedness and evacuation planning for animals