According to a recent study, the vast majority of pet owners don’t have a plan to ensure their animals’ safety in the event of a natural disaster.

Concerning it may be, this study adds weight to the idea that our pets need a higher standard of care than we often provide for them. To keep them safe and secure, you must take every precaution necessary, especially during the hurricane, storm, and tornado seasons.

If you have a tornado shelter room in Texas, here’s how you can prepare it for your pets:

Making a Pet-Friendly Storm Shelter

§ Make a Safety Plan

You’ve prepared your storm shelter with everything you and your family could possibly need, but have you thought about your pet?

Is your pet in need of special care? Is there a chance they’ll have to take medicine if the storm lasts a while? Make a plan based on what you’ve learned about your pet’s needs to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

§ Have an Emergency Pet Kit On Hand

You should have an emergency kit prepared that should include the following:

• Non-perishable food supplies, treats, etc.
• Water
• Prescription and heartworm medication (in case your pet gets bitten by an infected bug)
• Pet carrier and a pet bed
• Puppy pads
• Plastic bags
• Comfort toys and treats
• First aid kit

§ Practice Safety Drills

If you have an above-ground storm shelter, teach your pets how and where to find it. Make sure your pet may also find refuge at the shelter alongside you and our family. Put in an open pet carrier for them to enter easily.

If your pet tends to hide when frightened or anxious, you may prepare for the next time a storm rolls in by practicing using a pillowcase or other soft container.

As you wait out the storm, keep close to them in the shelter. Your presence alone will be enough to soothe them at such a moment.

§ Bonus Tip: Have Your Pet Microchipped

If the worst should happen and you’re caught outside while your pet runs away because of the storm and thunder, having them microchipped will guarantee their safe return. When you get your pet microchipped at your local veterinarian’s office, you may save all of your pet’s and your personal information on a single chip that will be registered.

Therefore, if someone scans your pet, they will immediately know who the pet belongs to.

Make sure you adhere to the aforementioned advice. Furthermore, get a storm shelter if you don’t already have one. Safe Rooms US has above-ground storm shelters, tornado safe rooms, and community storm shelters that have been tested against F5 tornadoes and can be modified to meet your specific needs.

Just give us a call or send us an email. We serve customers from around Texas, including Plano, Rowlett, Arlington, etc.