To protect your pet during a tornado, have a plan of action in place. Storms can escalate quickly into dangerous twisters, leaving you little time to gather supplies and move your family—including the four-legged members—to safety.
“Thorough preparedness in advance of any disaster gives pet [parents] the best chance of ensuring the safety of their pets,” says Susan Anderson, the ASPCA’s senior director of disaster response.
This involves keeping your pet’s emergency kit up to date, making necessary arrangements to keep you and your pet secure and calm during a storm, and knowing how to navigate the hazards of a post-storm situation.
Key Takeaways
- Prepare an emergency kit well in advance, stocked with food, water, medical records, and any medication your pet is taking.
- Have a tornado safety plan and practice drills with all members of your family, including pets.
- Keep your pets calm and contained while sheltering from a tornado.
- After the storm, check for hazards around your home and yard before letting your pet roam.
How To Prepare for a Tornado With Pets
Don’t wait until a tornado watch to start preparing for bad weather.
Pack an Emergency Kit
The most important step you can take to keep your pet safe during a weather event like a tornado is to keep an emergency kit for your dog or cat stocked and ready for use if severe weather strikes.
Stock your kit with essential items, such as:
Make sure your emergency kit has a one- to two-week supply of food, water, and medication. These essentials might be difficult to secure after a severe weather event.
Make a Plan
Being prepared for a tornado is more than having supplies ready to go. You should also have a plan of action in case you need to take shelter ahead of a tornado.
“Having a well-stocked, secure, ventilated, and easily accessible safe room is critical,” says Anderson. “These rooms should be clear of hazards such as windows, flying debris, etc.”
You can even practice your plan, says Michael Hyder, DVM, medical director at Veterinary Emergency Group in Palo Alto, California. “Do occasional drills so pets are familiar with being led to shelter spaces.”
Protecting Your Pet During the Storm
“Begin preparations during a tornado watch and move your pet to safety at the start of a tornado warning,” says Dr. Hyder.
Anderson adds that you should also bring your pets inside as soon as a tornado watch is issued, since pets can become disoriented and wander away from home in a crisis.
Bring your pet to wherever you take cover. Because your presence will be calming to your pet, Dr. Hyder recommends speaking gently and staying near your pets. Offer them a favorite chew toy or calming treat to help distract and soothe your anxious pet.
It’s best to put your pet in a crate, kennel, or carrier to keep them safe and contained. If possible, put the crate under a stable piece of furniture. At the very least, put a leash on your pet to keep them in close range.
Caring for Your Pet After the Tornado
After a tornado, don’t let down your guard too quickly.
Before turning your pet loose, Anderson says you should check your home and yard for any potential hazards or debris that might cause injuries or be toxic. Even if the area appears to be safe and clear of danger, exercise caution in giving your pet too much freedom right away.
“After any disaster, pets can become confused and lost, so it’s important to keep pets on leash or in a carrier when they are being transported or when on walks outside,” Anderson says.
Although the aftermath of a tornado can be overwhelming, Dr. Hyder says it’s important to stick to a familiar routine to the extent possible by offering meals, water, and bathroom breaks regularly.
You can’t control when bad weather strikes, but following these precautions and practical tips can help you and your four-legged friend to stay safe and calm during a tornado.
