Summer is a time for outdoor fun and relaxation, but it also brings the potential for severe weather, including thunderstorms, hurricanes, and heatwaves. As a pet parent or pet-care professional, it’s crucial to be prepared for these events to ensure the safety and well-being of your furry companions. This blog post provides essential tips for emergency preparedness, helping you practice effective kennel management and keep your pets safe during summer storms.

Understanding the Risks

Emergency Preparedness for Summer Storms: Keeping Your Pets Safe

1. Thunderstorms:

  • Loud Noises and Lightning: Thunderstorms can cause anxiety in pets due to loud thunder and bright lightning. Pets may hide, run away, or display signs of stress.
  • Power Outages: Storms can lead to power outages, which may affect your pet’s environment and safety.

2. Hurricanes and Floods:

  • Evacuation Needs: Hurricanes often require evacuation, and planning for your pets is essential to ensure they are not left behind.
  • Flooding Risks: Floods can pose a direct threat to pets, especially if they are caught in rising waters.

3. Heatwaves:

  • Overheating: Extreme heat can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and other health issues in pets.
  • Power Outages: Heatwaves can also cause power outages, impacting air conditioning and cooling systems.

Preparing for Summer Storms

Emergency Preparedness for Summer Storms: Keeping Your Pets Safe

1. Create an Emergency Plan:

  • Identify Safe Locations: Know where to take your pets in case of evacuation. This could be a pet-friendly shelter, a friend’s house, or a designated safe area within your home.
  • Contact Information: Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your veterinarian, local animal shelters, and emergency pet care facilities.

2. Assemble an Emergency Kit:

  • Pet Supplies: Include a supply of food, water, and medications for at least three days. Don’t forget bowls, a manual can opener, and a first aid kit.
  • Identification: Ensure your pets have up-to-date identification tags and are microchipped. Keep a recent photo of your pet in case they get lost.
  • Comfort Items: Pack familiar items such as blankets, toys, and treats to help reduce your pet’s anxiety during stressful situations.

3. Prepare Your Home:

  • Safe Zones: Identify safe areas in your home where pets can stay during a storm, such as an interior room away from windows.
  • Secure Outdoor Items: Bring pets indoors and secure any outdoor items that could become hazards during high winds.

During the Storm

Emergency Preparedness for Summer Storms: Keeping Your Pets Safe

1. Keep Pets Indoors:

  • Stay Inside: Keep pets indoors during severe weather to prevent them from becoming frightened and running away.
  • Calming Environment: Create a calming environment by closing windows, drawing curtains, and playing soothing music or white noise to mask the sound of thunder.

2. Monitor Their Behavior:

  • Signs of Stress: Watch for signs of stress or anxiety in your pets, such as panting, pacing, hiding, or excessive barking. Comfort them as needed.
  • Stay Calm: Pets can pick up on your anxiety, so try to remain calm and provide reassurance.

3. Maintain Routine:

  • Regular Feeding and Bathroom Breaks: Keep feeding times and bathroom breaks as normal as possible to provide a sense of routine and stability for your pets.

After the Storm

Emergency Preparedness for Summer Storms: Keeping Your Pets Safe

1. Check for Hazards:

  • Inspect Your Home: Check your home and yard for any hazards, such as broken glass, sharp objects, or downed power lines, before allowing your pets outside.
  • Secure Boundaries: Ensure fences and gates are secure to prevent pets from escaping if they are spooked by the aftermath of the storm.

2. Monitor Health:

  • Watch for Injuries: Check your pets for any injuries or signs of distress. Contact your veterinarian if you notice anything concerning.
  • Resume Normal Activities: Gradually resume normal activities and routines to help your pets adjust back to their regular schedule.

Additional Tips for Specific Storms

Emergency Preparedness for Summer Storms: Keeping Your Pets Safe

Thunderstorms:

  • Desensitization Training: Consider desensitization training to help your pets become more accustomed to the sound of thunder.
  • Thundershirts: Use anxiety wraps or Thundershirts to provide comfort and reduce anxiety in pets during storms.

Hurricanes and Floods:

  • Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and pet-friendly shelters ahead of time.
  • High Ground: If flooding is a concern, ensure there is a safe, elevated area in your home where pets can stay dry.

Heatwaves:

  • Cooling Measures: Provide plenty of fresh water and keep pets in a cool, shaded area. Use fans, cooling mats, and wet towels to help keep them cool.
  • Limit Exercise: Avoid exercising pets during the hottest parts of the day and never leave them in parked cars.

Being prepared for summer storms is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of your pets. By creating an emergency plan, assembling an emergency kit, and taking proactive measures before, during, and after a storm, you can help protect your pets from the dangers of severe weather. Remember, your calm and preparedness can make a significant difference in how your pets handle these stressful situations. Stay safe and keep your furry friends safe too!