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
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.
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.
Support during wildfires in Los Angeles
Please visit the following for more information:
- Visit Ready LA County for emergency preparedness tips, tricks, and information.
- Visit the Emergency Notifications page to register for Alert LA County and find information on other emergency alert systems utilized by cities within LA County.
- Visit the County Emergency Page during active incidents to find important details about evacuations, shelters, road closures, and other incident driven 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.