Take several pictures of all the animals in your household and keep these pictures with your important insurance papers (include vaccination records too). Be sure to include distinguishing marks in the pictures. These pictures can help reunite you with a lost pet. Store the pictures in a resealable plastic bag in case you have to post them during the months that rain.

Have at least a weeks supply of pet food and water on hand at all times for your pets. Store the food in air tight/waterproof containers. If you use canned food, buy the flip top cans or have a can opener in your airtight Disaster Supply Container. Keep some of your pets favorite treats on hand. They become stressed during a disaster too and a treat provides your pets some comfort. Also keep a supply of cat litter for the cats in your household and keep a clean litter scoop and litter pan in your disaster kit.

Keep a collar and tag on your pets at all times (this includes cats that never go outdoors). During a disaster a pet can escape and a collar and tag increases your chances of getting the animal back. On the tag, include your phone number and address. Remember the phones may not be working, so in order to reunite you with your pet an address is necessary. You may want to consider tattooing or microchipping your pets as a more permanent means of Identification.

If your dog rides in the car, always have a leash in the vehicle. A disaster may occur while you are away from home, and if you should have to abandon your car, you want to be able to keep your dog safely controlled.

If your pet is on a long term medication, always keep a back up supply on hand. A vet may not be open for some time following a disaster. If the medication needs to be refrigerated, keep an ice chest on hand to store it in. Ice will need to be obtained from a store, and if they are not open, check with the Red Cross. Ask your regular Vet if he/she has a disaster plan. Your pet may need medical attention after a disaster and you need to know where to take your animal. Knowing this in advance may save your animal's life, if it is in critical condition and time cannot be wasted. Keep a First Aid Kit in your Disaster Kit for your pet. Assembled Kits can be bought at Pet Stores or ask your Vet what to include in one.

Have a cat carrier (a canvas Evacsack is a wonderful option) to evacuate each cat in your household. If you have to confine the cat for a long period of time, have a carrier large enough to hold a shoe box size litter box, a water/food dish, and room for the cat to comfortably lie down. Make sure the carrier is not left in the sun and if it is warm, that the cat gets good ventilation. If you take the cat out, do so in a confined space in case the cat tries to run away.

Have a chain leash for all the dogs in your household. Walls and fences may come down during a disaster and it may be necessary to keep your dog confined on a chain leash until repairs can be made. Be sure the chain is long enough for the dog to move around without getting tangled around something and maybe choking itself. Shelter from the elements should be within the dog's reach.

If your dog is kept in an outdoor run, make sure it's in a location where falling debris (trees, shingles, power lines, chimney bricks, and etc.) won't fall on the run and possibly injure the dog. If something were to fall on the run and possibly prevent opening the door, you should have a heavy duty wire cutter in case the dog was trapped inside and had to be freed.

Start a buddy system with someone in your neighborhood so that they will check on your animals during a disaster in case you weren't home. Agree to do the same thing for them. Exchange information on Veterinarians and have a permission slip put in your file at the Vets authorizing your buddy to get necessary emergency treatment for your pet should you not be able to be reached. If someone watches your pets while you are on vacation, talk with them about a disaster plan to be used to evacuate and care for your animals in your absence.

Be sure to comfort your pet during a disaster. They are frightened and having you near to give them a hug will help. If your pet is not ready to be comforted, do not force it. Let them come to you when they are ready.

Know where the animal shelters are in your area. You may need to visit them after a disaster to look for a missing pet.

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