According to a recent Associated Press–Petside.com poll, most people don’t have plans for protecting their animal companions in the event of a natural disaster evacuation. Please, don’t wait for a disaster to strike. Make an emergency plan for your animals now:

Never leave animals behind in an evacuation. You may not be able to return home for weeks, leaving animals stranded without food or water.

Check with hotels, relatives, and friends to see if you and your animals can stay there until the emergency is over.

Make sure animals are current on vaccinations and are wearing collars with identification tags. Pack leashes, bowls, towels, blankets, litter pans and litter, and at least a week’s supply of food and medications.

If you must leave your companions behind, leave them indoors, with access to upper floors and at least 10 days worth of dry food and water. Fill sinks and multiple containers with water. Place signs in windows and on the front door indicating how many and what kind of animals are inside—rescue teams may be able to save them.

TVs, couches, and even homes are replaceable, but best friends aren’t.

www.HelpingAnimals.com