Write a family emergency plan and include the necessary arrangements for the safety of your pet(s). Locate an animal clinic that will accept pet(s) to board during the storm, and reserve space for your animals. Contact hotels and motels which will accept pet(s) if you decide to leave the area. If you live in an evacuation zone, make arrangements with relatives or close friends out of the zone to take care of your pets if you must leave.

Advance planning is essential and it could save your pet(s) life. You do not have to jeopardize your lives for your pet(s) when you are prepared.

. A pet carrier or portable kennel for each pet is a must. Acquire a pet carrier or portable kennel large enough for each pet to comfortably stand up and turn around inside. These carriers are available at local department, discount and pet supply stores.

. Take the time to familiarize your pet(s) until it feels secure and comfortable in the carrier. Initially, confine your pet for short periods, then lengthen the time.

. Vaccinate your pet(s) by mid-May. Consult your veterinarian for the necessary vaccinations for each pet. Healthy pets have a greater chance of surviving the stresses of a storm.

. Identify your pet(s) by current license and rabies tags on a properly fitted collar and, if you choose, by micro-chipping, tattooing or freeze-branding. Consider placing an ID tag with an out-of-state contact name & address along with your pet(s) local information on its collar. Displaced pets have a greater chance of being reunited with their owners when they are wearing current identification tags. Take clear, color photos (frontal, left and right sides) and store with your pets license, health records and ownership papers in a waterproof carrier to take with you.

. Reserve space at an animal clinic or boarding kennel which will accept pets to board during a storm emergency, Call early, as space is very limited. When reserving space, confirm which vaccinations are required by the facility as many boarding facilities require current proof of vaccinations before accepting pets. Ask who will be staying with the animals and what they will do if evacuation of the facility becomes necessary. Ask when you must reclaim your pet(s) after the "all-clear" has been declared and what the costs will be if you cannot immediately take your pet(s) back home with you.

. When a Tropical Storm is named, call ahead and make reservations at a hotel/ motel within a 100-mile radius and located away from coastal and river areas. Ask about the cancellation penalties, size restrictions, number of pets allowed and fees. Prepare a Small Animal Emergency Kit for each pet.

. Sign a Foster Care Agreement with someone out of the evacuation area in the event you must go to a shelter and cannot take your pet(s) or if you lose your home and cannot take care of your pet(s) for an extended period of time. Develop a list of friends & relatives who could also care for your pet(s) for an extended period of time. Prepare a Small Animal Emergency Kit for you pet(s).

. Survey your home and determine the best location to place your pet(s) away from windows during a storm. Consider an easy-to-clean utility room, bathroom or other tiled area.