When Disaster Strikes, Part 2.
Evacuation
Key Takeaways
If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets. You won’t be able to go back for them in the middle of a disaster
Evacuate early. Don’t wait for an evacuation order.
Plan ahead
No one wants to abandon their home, but indecision and procrastination in the face of on oncoming disaster may lead to tragedy.
Why evacuate before the official disaster declaration?
- Enough time to gather essential items – disaster kits for your family and pets
- Find and secure difficult-to-transport family members: elderly relatives and pets, frightened pets in hiding
- Evacuation routes are less congested
- Easier to get a pet friendly lodging reservation
- Easier to find gas
Planning
Plan and prepare disaster kits for family members and pets, especially if you live in a location that is prone to wildfires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc
Practice evacuation drills.
Get information about shelter from your Office of Emergency Management (OEM)
Set up a meeting place where separated family members can gather after the disaster

Communication
Bring a way to communicate and receive communications. Cell phone towers may be down. Your phone battery may not last.
Figure out what you will do in common situations, so you will be ready.
We all hope we will avoid disasters, but as the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events increases, the need to plan and prepare for evacuation becomes more and more important.
Thank you for this insightful post! Your emphasis on early evacuation and thorough planning is crucial. It’s a great reminder that our pets’ safety is as important as our own, and preparing disaster kits and practicing drills can make a significant difference. The tip about finding pet-friendly lodging and securing gas early is particularly helpful. This is a must-read for anyone living in disaster-prone areas!
Great reminder on planning for disasters. Since we live in a hurricane area, we always have our kit ready and keep all our insurance contact info with it also. So far we’ve only needed a flashlight and no major damage but everyone has to always be well prepared.
Kate, great advice for planning for disasters. My favorite pointers: get out before it strikes, and bring some form of communication (at least backup power cells for your phone).
Incredible tips, Kate ❤️ thanks for your helpful tips 🫶