How prepared are you and your pets for a hurricane?
A little? A lot? Never thought about it? In North Carolina, hurricanes are a part of life — and being ready can make all the difference for you and your animals.
When a storm hits, you may face:
- Internet and TV outages
- Power failures
- Flooding from heavy rain
- Damage from high winds
- Mandatory evacuations
In the middle of the scramble to protect your home and family, it’s easy to overlook pet-specific needs. Here’s how to get ready before the next storm is even on the radar.
1. Make a Pet Emergency Plan
Decide in advance:
- Where your pet will go (pet-friendly shelter, hotel, family, or friends out of the storm zone)
- How you’ll get them there
- What supplies and records you’ll need
- How you can help keep them calm during travel or sheltering
2. Build an Emergency Kit for Each Pet
Pack:
- Food & water (plus a can opener if needed)
- Carriers or crates
- Litter box & litter (cats), puppy pads, waste bags
- Medications & medical records
- Leash, collar, harness, and current ID tags
- A printed photo of your pet (in case you’re separated)
- Comfort items — favorite blanket, toy, or chew
Tip: Even if you store records and photos on your phone, keep paper copies in a waterproof container (zip-top bags work well). You can also scan and email them to a trusted friend or family member outside the affected area.
3. Prepare Your Pet Ahead of Time
- Crate training: If your pet isn’t used to a carrier or crate, start now. Leave it open in the house, toss treats inside, feed meals nearby, and gradually move the food inside.
- Comfort measures: Use calming aids like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs. Spray bedding or towels and place them in the crate before travel.
- Bring pets indoors before the storm — never leave them outside where they could panic and escape.
4. Act Early, Stay Calm
Pets can sense your stress. The calmer you are, the calmer they’ll be. Don’t wait until the last minute to leave if evacuation is recommended. You are your pet’s best guardian — plan to take them with you.
Bottom line: Hurricanes are stressful, but preparation keeps everyone safer. Make your pet plan now so you can act quickly later.
Stay safe, stay calm, and protect the ones who depend on you.
