Be Storm Season Ready

In the heart of the Midwest, storm season is fully underway. What starts as a pretty spring day can quickly change into a storm, rushing every member of the family to seek shelter. Whether you live in the heartland or elsewhere, readiness for any emergency is important, not just for your human loved ones, but also your cherished pets – be they furry, feathered, or shelly. Let’s dive into some essential “emergency ready” tips to ensure your entire household is safe.

Get a checklist

The biggest part of being emergency ready is to have a plan altogether. Writing down your plan of action onto paper can help clear up your ideas and serve as a launching pad for discussions where all family members have a voice. Consider these key points for your checklist:

• Where is our shelter during an emergency?
• Who is responsible for each pet?
• Do any of our pets require specialized care? (e.g., medications, accommodations for disabilities)
• Have we equipped each pet with readily accessible essentials? (e.g., sturdy leashes, appropriate carriers)

Tailor Plans to Your Area
In the vast plains of Kansas, readiness often revolves around bracing for severe weather – from strong winds and server thunderstorms to hailstorms and even tornadoes. Yet, your location might pose different challenges for you. It’s crucial to understand and prepare for events specific to your area. While some may seek shelter in basements, others might need to evacuate their homes or communities. Each scenario demands a customized plan and response strategy.

Identify the Essentials
While the basics of survival – shelter, water, and food – are widely known, your pets’ needs may extend beyond these items. Evaluate their daily requirements, factor in the duration of the emergency, and calculate the necessary supplies to sustain them. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to stockpile anywhere from three to fourteen days’ worth of water, food, and medications.

Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t wait until the last minute! By preparing and rehearsing your emergency plan in advance, you increase the likelihood of success when faced with situations where safety is crucial, and time is of the essence. Doing practice drills allows you to identify areas that you can improve and enables every family member – including your pets – to familiarize themselves in a relaxed setting.

Keep Your Cool!
Maintaining composure during chaos is key to reassuring your pets in situations they find bewildering or stressful. A panicked pet can pose risks to itself and others, underscoring the importance of maintaining a calm demeanor throughout the process.

Storm season can be a challenging time for pet owners, but with careful planning and preparation, you can keep your family (human and pets) safe and secure during severe weather. By providing a safe shelter, monitoring weather conditions, and staying calm and reassuring, you can help your family weather the storm with minimal stress and risk.