Go Back
Air quality begins to improve in NYC but remains poor in other parts of Northeast. Follow live updates. Chevron right
El Nino is now officially underway. Find out what that means for the weather around the world. Chevron right

Ashburn, VA

67°F
Location Chevron down
Location News Videos
Use Current Location
Recent

Ashburn

Virginia

67°
No results found.
Try searching for a city, zip code or point of interest.
settings
Ashburn, VA Weather
Today WinterCast Local {stormName} Tracker Hourly Daily Radar MinuteCast Monthly Air Quality Health & Activities

Around the Globe

Hurricane Tracker

Severe Weather

Radar & Maps

News

News & Features

Astronomy

Business

Climate

Health

Recreation

Sports

Travel

Video

Podcasts

Winter Center

Top Stories AccuWeather Early AccuWeather Prime Astronomy Climate Travel Health Recreation Business Sports

News / Weather News

How to ensure the safety of family pets during a hurricane

By Michael Kuhne, AccuWeather staff writer

Copied

When a tropical storm or hurricane strikes, it is important to ensure the safety of every family member, including pets.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the federal government implemented the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Act (PETS Act), which required all states take household pets and service animals into consideration in their disaster planning.

"The best way to keep yourself and your family, both people and animals, safe when disaster strikes is to have a good disaster plan," Wanda Merling said. Merling serves as the deputy director for animal cruelty and response for the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

While general evacuation plans may be issued by state, local or federal agencies, the HSUS encourages people to make certain that they have evacuation plans of their own that include their pets.

For people living in a hurricane-prone area, Merling recommends identifying hotels along the evacuation route that are pet-friendly.

water rescue san jose

Rescue crews take out residents from a flooded neighborhood Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in San Jose, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

AP Photo

"No matter what the specifics of your plan are, follow this basic safety rule, if you are told to evacuate, leave immediately and take your animals. If it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them," Merling said.

The PETS Act is an addition to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The federal initiative authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide care, shelter and rescue to household pets and service animals during a natural disaster or emergency.

Disaster plans for pets should include having a disaster kit prepared, establishing evacuation routes ahead of time, identifying places to stay that include animals in addition to preparing for scenarios both at a residence, or where pets may be left alone in a home before they can be reached.

A good disaster kit should include three to seven days' worth of food and supplies for your pets, Merling said, adding that it is important to check expiration dates. A good rule of thumb is to go through disaster kits when daylight saving time ends and begins.

"If you are prepared and you practice, it will be second nature should you need to enact that plan," Merling said.

In addition to planning, there are other precautions pet owners can do to help ensure the safety of their animals.

"Make certain that you have your pets microchipped, ID tags on them and that they easily go into a carrier," Merling added. "Keeping them contained will keep them safe."

3 ways to help pets cope with fear of storms
Why you should evacuate ahead of a hurricane

In the unfortunate event an animal happens to get away from their owner during a storm, making certain they are identifiable with the most current and up-to-date information is important, she said.

If a pet is lost, Merling said to contact local animal control services and let them know that you have lost your pet.

"Make certain that you have a current photo of you with your animals that you can share with them," she added.

Roaring thunder, lightning, heavy rain and high winds can stir fear in many animals, causing extreme anxiety not only for pets, but also their owners who must manage this stress.

Merling said in order to reduce stress in an animal during a disaster, like a hurricane, keeping items on hand that they enjoy is key. This could include favorite toys and a blanket.

"Stay with them as well. Just the sound of your voice is often calming," Merling said.

<hr>

For more safety and preparedness tips, visit AccuWeather.com/Ready.

AccuWeather ready logo
Partner Module Enhancement
Report a Typo

Weather News

Hurricane

Tropical Atlantic dormant, but may stir again soon

Jun. 9, 2023
Severe Weather

Forecasters tracking new threat of severe weather

Jun. 9, 2023
Climate

El Nino is officially underway. Here’s what that means for the weather

Jun. 9, 2023
Show more Show less Chevron down

Topics

Top Stories

AccuWeather Early

AccuWeather Prime

Astronomy

Climate

Travel

Health

Recreation

Business

Sports

Top Stories

Live Blog

LIVE: Smoke from Canadian wildfires lingers over Northeast

LATEST ENTRY

Jillian Angeline talks to New Jersey residents about the recent air quality

1 hour ago

Weather Forecasts

When will Canadian wildfire smoke return to the Northeast?

3 hours ago

Weather Forecasts

Needed rain on the way for Midwest, Northeast

2 hours ago

Weather Forecasts

Sweltering, record-shattering heat wave roasts Puerto Rico

4 hours ago

Severe Weather

Siberia swelters in record temps amid ‘worst heat wave in history’

8 hours ago

More Stories

Featured Topic

Your Local Asthma Forecast

Featured Stories

Live Blog

AccuWeather’s Hurricane Week: An inside look at these destructive forc...

LATEST ENTRY

Katharine Hepburn was nearly killed in a surprise hurricane in 1938

1 day ago

Business

Top Father’s Day gifts for weather-enthusiasts

2 hours ago

Hurricane

Reed Timmer recounts his top 5 most memorable hurricane interceptions

2 days ago

AccuWeather Weather News How to ensure the safety of family pets during a hurricane
Company
Proven Superior Accuracy About AccuWeather Digital Advertising Careers Press Contact Us
Products & Services
For Business For Partners For Advertising AccuWeather APIs AccuWeather Connect Podcast RealFeel® and RealFeel Shade™
Apps & Downloads
iPhone App Android App See all Apps & Downloads
Subscription Services
AccuWeather Premium AccuWeather Professional
More
AccuWeather Ready Business Health Hurricane Leisure and Recreation Severe Weather Space and Astronomy Sports Travel Weather News Winter Center
Company
Proven Superior Accuracy About AccuWeather Digital Advertising Careers Press Contact Us
Products & Services
For Business For Partners For Advertising AccuWeather APIs AccuWeather Connect Podcast RealFeel® and RealFeel Shade™
Apps & Downloads
iPhone App Android App See all Apps & Downloads
Subscription Services
AccuWeather Premium AccuWeather Professional
More
AccuWeather Ready Business Health Hurricane Leisure and Recreation Severe Weather Space and Astronomy Sports Travel Weather News Winter Center
© 2023 AccuWeather, Inc. "AccuWeather" and sun design are registered trademarks of AccuWeather, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Do Not Sell My Data checkmark Confirmed Not Selling Your Data

We have updated our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

I Understand

Get AccuWeather alerts as they happen with our browser notifications.

Notifications Enabled

Thanks! We’ll keep you informed.

FEEDBACK