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Are You and Your Animals Ready for Severe Storms, Cold Weather, and Wildfires?

A guide to keeping your pets safe during severe weather, winter cold, and wildfires

1/9/2025

Ensure your pet's safety during severe weather, winter cold, and wildfires. Learn how to create a plan, assemble a kit, and manage changes due to emergencies.

Close up of a kitten cradled in the arms of someone in a red sweatshirt

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Understanding the Threats and Creating a Plan

Be prepared: Know the threats, make a plan

Wildfires, severe winter weather, tornadoes and cyclonic storms (hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones) present different dangers. Tornadoes and wildfires strike quickly, while cyclonic storms bring high winds, rain, and potential flooding. Knowing your area's specific threats helps tailor your plan.

Assemble a comprehensive disaster kit

Pack for your pet's protection: Building a disaster kit

ESSENTIALS:

  • Several days' worth of pet food and bottled water
  • Medications your pet needs
  • Familiar toys and bedding for comfort

 

SAFETY MEASURES:

  • Sturdy leash or carrier for easy transport
  • Copies of medical records in a waterproof container
  •  Extra collar with updated ID tags

 

STAYING INFORMED:

  • Battery-powered radio for news updates

Practice Make Perfect: Rehearse Your Response

Practice your response: Drills for a calm pet

Rehearse your plan with your pet. Identify a safe shelter in your home (basement, interior room) and familiarize them with it before the storm or fire. Spend time together in the shelter to reduce anxiety.

Evacuation Plans: When Leaving is Necessary

First, check with friends, relatives, and kennels who live in an area that is out of danger. Research pet-friendly shelters in advance, as not all shelters accept animals. Consider backup plans like boarding facilities or pet-friendly hotels outside the evacuation zone. Ensure your pet's ID tags are current with your contact information.

Helping Pets Cope with Storm Phobias

Calming your storm-anxious pet

Distraction is key: Engage your pet with toys or familiar commands during emergencies.

Create a Safe Space: Provide a quiet, sheltered area accessible during storms and emergencies for comfort.

Seek Professional Help: For severe phobias, consult your veterinarian or animal behaviorist for a desensitization plan before storm season and emergencies.

Be Prepared: Plan Ahead for Severe Weather and Wildfire Season

Don't Wait Until Disaster Hits: Prepare Now!

By preparing a kit and plan well before the severe weather or wildfire season, you ensure the safety of your entire family, including your furry companions. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping them safe and stress-free during severe weather.

Two dogs and two cats laying comfortably on a couch

Test your knowledge of storm preparedness

Support during wildfires in Los Angeles

Please visit the following for more information:

 

Small Animals:

  • Agoura Animal Care Center 29525 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
  • Baldwin Park Animal Care Center 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706
  • Carson Animal Care Center 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
  • Downey Animal Care Center 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242
  • Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536
  • Palmdale Animal Care Center 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550

 

Large Animals:

  • Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave. Pomona
  • Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744
  • Antelope Valley Fair 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

 

You will need to call to make any arrangements in advance to seek available space.

Are you and your animals prepared for heat waves?


Learn more about keeping your pets safe in the heat this summer.

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