While we've passed the peak of hurricane season, its always a good time to plan

With help from the ASPCA: Disaster Planning For Pets: Do You Know What To Pack?

North Carolina has had an easier year of it as far as tropical storms go, at least as compared to those along the Gulf coast and Midwest. News 14 Carolina Meteorologist Lee Ringer had an earlier post about the passing of the peak of our 2008 hurricane season. It is always a good time to plan, whether it be for tropical weather evacuations, severe local storms or even winter weather.

As we have pets in my family, I am always concerned about protecting them when weather is a factor (especially since I may be working during the weather and they're at home!)
I love the ASPCA website, as there are always great tips for pet care. While this evacuation list for pets focuses more on dogs and cats, talk to your veterinarian about how this can be better augmented to fit the needs of your unique pet. Some of these things can be placed in a container for long-term storage and some can be obtained in a pinch. If you regularly travel with your pet, you may have these things set to go already!

The ASPCA would like to offer the following list of essential items to pack for your animal companions in advance, should you be faced with evacuation:
Pet first-aid kit and guide book
3 to 7 days' worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food
Disposable litter trays (aluminum roasting pans are perfect)
Litter or paper toweling
Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
Disposable garbage bags for clean-up
Dishes for food and water
Extra harness and leash
Photocopies of medical records
Waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires
Bottled water—at least seven days' worth for each person and pet
Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet
Flashlight
Blanket
Recent photos of your pet(s)
Especially for cats: Pillowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoopable litter
Especially for dogs: Long leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week's worth of cage liner

for more information, here's the ASPCA website link:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sitemap

Have a great weekend!
Pati Darak,
Meteorologist, News 14 Carolina