Stay Prepared in Louisiana: How To Safeguard Your Pets During Weather Events

When you welcome a pet into your home, you know that you will be responsible for that pet's care, comfort, and protection. If you haven't yet thought of a plan for your pet for times of a storm or disaster, it's a perfect time, right now to put something together.

Whether a storm might visit your area or not, just having a few things put aside, can make all the difference in the world if the time comes when you have to load your pet up to go somewhere else and ready.gov has plenty of good, easy advice for us.

Our furry, or not necessarily furry friends (like a snake), depend on us for their health, safety, and well-being. It's a good idea to have a simple plan together.

In addition to our local advice, other communities offer good advice as well, like, Charleston:

You can get a hurricane kit together that's easy and simple so you can be ready if we have a storm threatening our area. Whether it's medicine or their comfort items, getting your plan together helps us to reduce our stress.

Having to scramble at the last minute to think about everything your beloved pets need only adds to the pressure of an impending storm. Plenty of people are able to stay at home during weather events because they have prepared for their needs so make sure you have the basics for your pets too.

When Florida was dealing with storm issues, the Humane Society of the United States gave some great advice:

You can set aside a bag full of the basics that your pet would need in the event that you need to evacuate to either a shelter or someone else's home. The Red Cross recommends that you make sure pets are welcome at the shelter where you plan to stay. Most do not unless they are service animals.

They also recommend that you keep a list of places to stay that do allow pets, but make sure that you have adequate supplies for them.

Most veterinarians will work with you if your pet has to take medicine, and you would like to prepare that to put into your bag of supplies. With the severity of storms in recent years, it's not a bad idea to ask for a two-week supply.

Here are even some DIY ideas for pet fun!

Have a Bag Prepared with Needed Items

You can put together a bag full of items your pet would need like their food, water, and the bowls that go along with it. You should add pet waste bags to your collection of items, and kitty litter along with their box.

A blanket, bed, and toys are also something to make it to your list so you can make your pet as comfortable as possible in a new environment.

The above are just a few of the basic things to think about if you have to evacuate along with your pets. The Red Cross also recommends having your pet microchipped.

Have a First Aid Kit for Your Pets

No matter whether you plan to stay in your own home during a storm or you have to evacuate, it's a good idea to have a first aid kit for your pet according to the ASPCA.

They recommend that the kit include things like gauze and adhesive tape in the event that your pet is injured.

Even having something simple like antibiotic ointment in your kit can help you be prepared if your pet needs treatment.

Be Ready with a Plan Now

Ready.gov has plenty of suggestions that you can think of now so you don't have to panic about putting this together.

Have you taken a selfie with your pet lately? Houston SPCA recommends that you do this to show ownership of your pet.

When weather issues pop up, anxiety can be off the charts, but we still need to make a plan for our pets. We can't leave them behind: