Tornadoes are among the most terrifying and destructive natural phenomena – and they rarely give much warning. Having an emergency plan for your entire family – including your pets, is critical in staying safe during a tornado or severe storm. The experts at American Humane have put together a series of tips to help before, during and after a tornado strikes:

BEFORE A TORNADO:

• Identify a tornado-safe area large enough for your entire family and pets (often a basement or the most interior room of the house on the bottom floor.)
• Practice getting the entire family to the tornado safe area quickly during calm weather.
• Make your tornado-safe area pet-friendly by removing any dangerous items such as tools or toxic products.
• Keep your family and pet preparedness kits in your tornado-safe area or close by. Ensure that you have a crate for every animal.
• Know your pet’s hiding places and how to quickly and safely extricate them. Eliminate any unsafe hiding areas from which it may be difficult to remove your animal in a hurry.

DURING A TORNADO:

• If an evacuation is possible, take your pets with you. Make sure you take your pet preparedness kit and that your animals have proper identification.
• If you cannot evacuate, take your entire family – including pets (both indoor and out) – to your tornado-safe room.
• Pets should be put in crates or carriers in the safe room. If possible, place the crates under a sturdy piece of furniture.

AFTER THE STORM HAS PASSED:

• Use caution allowing your pets and other family members outdoors.
• Exit only AFTER the entire storm has passed.
• Assess the damage yourself first before bringing your pets outside with you.
• Keep your dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier.
• Watch for objects that could cause injury or harm to your pet.
• Allow your pets to become re-oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause your pet confusion or to become lost.
• Keep pets away from food, water or other liquids that could be contaminated from the storm.
• Keep pets away from downed power lines and debris.