Preparing For Tornado Season In Oklahoma

Every year, we yearn for Spring to return. But with the return of Spring, comes the risk of tornadoes throughout the state. Many of us clean out our shelters, put new batteries in our flashlights, put together kits with food and water and medicines for our two-legged family members... But sadly, our four-legged loved ones are often forgotten or they're not fully planned for. Here are a few important things to remember as we go into tornado season:

Before the Storm:

Put together a kit with emergency supplies for your pets. Keep them easily accessible and store them in sturdy, waterproof containers.

Your kit should include:

• Sturdy leashes/harnesses and/or carriers to transport pets safely without worry they'll get away.

• Food, drinking water, clean bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener.

• Medications and copies of medical records, as well as the name and phone number of your vetrinarian.

• A first aid kit including pain medications and bandaging.

• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost.

• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable, to help your pet feel more comfortable and calm.

In addition:

• Find out where your pets can go if they need to be boarded. It's a good idea to have a couple of options in areas far apart, just in case one is affected by the tornadoes. If you can, also have a couple of friends or family members as backup options.

• Be sure that all of your pets are wearing collars with up-to-date identification and that everything is secure.

• Check that your pet disaster supplies are ready to take at a moment's notice.

• Bring pets inside so you won’t have to search for them if you need to leave quickly.

• Place emergency stickers near your front and back doors and on side windows in case a weather emergency or fire strikes when you are not home. These stickers will alert rescuers to animals in your home who need help.

During the Storm:

• Be vigilant and don't resist taking shelter when the need arises. If the sirens go off or something feels weird, move everyone with you (including pets) to a shelter and remain there until you get an all clear.

• Never put yourself or others at risk. Do not attempt to rescue your pet if your life or health or that of others may be placed in danger.

• Crate your cat or dog immediately. If you do not, your pet may sense danger and hide, which will make it nearly impossible to move them to appropriate shelter.

After the Storm:

• If you and your pet are separated, search for them as quickly as possible, but do not put yourself at risk by venturing into unsafe or restricted areas. Share a photo of your pet here, as well as any identifying features – collar description, license number, behavioral quirks, distinctive markings, etc. If your pet has tattoos, a microchip or other permanent identification, this will increase the chances of finding it. Be aware that collars and tags are sometimes lost.

• If you find a stray animal, take it to a shelter or other facility set up for lost and found animals.

• After a tornado, many pets can be lost and pet shelters are often overwhelmed. Even if your pet is safe and sound, it can be helpful if you volunteer with a local pet rescue to help other pet owners find their animal friends.

Have any other safety tips for tornado season? Share them below!