REMINDER: FLOOD BAGS & BARRIERS ARE NOT FOR USE WITH SALT WATER

BAGS & BARRIERS MUST BE STACKED HIGHER THAN ANTICIPATED FLOOD WATERS

REMINDER: FLOOD BAGS & BARRIERS ARE NOT FOR USE WITH SALT WATER

BAGS & BARRIERS MUST BE STACKED HIGHER THAN ANTICIPATED FLOOD WATERS
Paws & Prepare: Storm Safety Tips for Your Pets

Paws & Prepare: Storm Safety Tips for Your Pets

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When a storm hits, your first instinct is to protect your family, and that includes your furry ones. In the rush to secure windows and stock up on supplies, pet safety can often become an afterthought. Whether it is a hurricane, flash flood, tornado, or severe thunderstorm, prepping your home for your pets can make all the difference in keeping them safe and calm.

Let us walk through what every pet owner needs to do before, during, and after a storm.

Create a Pet Emergency Kit

Just like you have an emergency kit, your pet needs one too. Here is what it can include:

  • Enough food and water for 3 days or more
  • Medication and copies of vet records (in waterproof bag)
  • A leash, harness, or pet carrier
  • Waste bags or litter if necessary
  • Comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket

Make sure your kit is waterproof and stored somewhere easy to grab quickly. You do not want to be searching for it during a last-minute evacuation. For a full checklist, the ASPCA offers a pet disaster preparedness guide that’s worth bookmarking.

Secure Indoor Spaces

Pets can panic during loud storms, leading to dangerous situations. Dogs may bolt, while cats might hide in tight, inaccessible places. To reduce the risk:

  • Choose one or two rooms in your home that are window-free or have shatter resistant glass.
  • Keep your pet’s bed, crate, and emergency supplies in that room.
  • Use blackout curtains or blinds to minimize flashes of lightning.
  • Consider white noise or calming music to help block out thunder.

Also, make sure hazardous items like candles, cords, or cleaning products are stored out of reach.

Reinforce Doors and Entryways

Animals, especially dogs, can become disoriented and try to escape during high-stress situations. Check your doors, pet doors, and gates to ensure they are secure. Quick Dams Flood Protection Solutions can be placed around entry points not just to protect your home, but to stop floodwater from reaching your pet’s safe zone.

Pro tip: Do not forget about the garage. Floodwater can creep in there too and it is a common place where pets might take shelter.

ID and Microchip Your Pet

If your pet escapes or gets separated from you during an emergency, proper ID could be the thing that brings them home.

  • Make sure their collar has a current tag with your name and phone number.
  • Microchip your pet and keep your contact info up to date in the database.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to be returned to their owners. For cats, they are more than twenty times likely to be returned to their owners.

Plan for Evacuation Scenarios

Do not assume you will be able to ride out the storm at home. Know where you would go if you had to leave and whether that place accepts pets. So, plan to:

  • Research pet-friendly hotels or emergency shelters.
  • Ask friends or family in safe zones if they can take you and your pet.
  • Keep a list of boarding facilities outside your immediate area.

Most importantly: Never leave your pet behind. If it is not safe for you, it is not safe for them.

After the Storm, Keep Watch

Storm damage can pose serious risks to pets:

  • Broken glass, sharp debris, and standing water can injure paws or cause infections.
  • Down power lines or gas leaks can be extremely dangerous.
  • Wildlife displaced by the storm may act unpredictably if met.

Supervise your pet closely when outside, even in a fenced yard. Be patient, animals may be shaken and anxious for a while.

Storms Pass, Preparation Lasts

Storm prep is not about boarding up your windows or checking the weather app. It is about thinking through the worst-case scenario for every member of your family. With a little foresight and planning, you can make sure your pet stays just as safe and secure as everyone in your home.

Want to flood-proof your home and keep your pet’s paws dry? Check our Quick Dam’s line of Flood Control Solutions for all your nuisance water needs. They are built for speed and simplicity when storms hit hard.

Be Prepared. Be Protected with Quick Dam.