Tornados are a terrifying and destructive natural disaster that can leave your home in ruins. Aside from the fact that these tunnels of wind can cause serious damage to the structure of your property, they can also harm the safety of your family and pets. While there are many things we can do to prepare for tornadoes, including building shelters and creating structures that are safe for us to retreat to, we often forget to come up with a plan for our beloved pets. Whether you have dogs, cats, guinea pigs, or hamsters, it’s important to plan ahead for these types of situations so your pets aren’t left scared and anxious during a disaster. In this blog, we’ll discuss some ways to keep your pets safe during a tornado.

At FamilySAFE, we understand how terrifying tornadoes can be, which is why we specialize in creating EF5-tested above ground and underground tornado shelters and safe rooms. When it comes to the safety of you and your family, you only want the best. As one of the most experienced steel shelter companies in the United States, we offer a unique variety of fully tested and certified in-ground and above ground storm shelters for you to choose for your home. Get your free storm shelter quote from our professionals today!

Tip #1: Make A Tornado-Safe Area That Is Animal Friendly

If you live in a tornado-prone part of the country, there’s a good chance you already have a safe area designated for you and your family in the event of a tornado. But is your space designed for your pets as well? When it comes to creating a safe place for your animals to reside, do your best to look for any nooks and crannies that your furry friends may be able to escape to. This is especially important if your safe room or safe area includes small spaces that can lead outside.

Tip #2: Include Your Furry Friends In Tornado Drills

One of the best ways to stay cool under pressure during a natural disaster is to practice emergency drills at home. This is especially important if you live in an area that is prone to tornado activity. Once you have a secure and safe space to move your family members and pets to, ask your loved ones to participate in an evacuation drill every month or so. Not only will these drills ensure the safety of your family and furry friends, it will help you feel prepared when a real tornado comes sweeping through your town.

Tip #3: Keep Pet Supplies In Your Safe Area

When natural disasters happen, you never know how long you’ll have to stay in your safe area or safe room. You could be in that space for a couple of hours or even a couple of days, so it’s important to ensure you have everything you need to keep your pets happy and healthy in the meantime. To appropriately prepare for a natural disaster, take the time to stock your safe room with dog or cat food, a litter box, a dog crate, an animal pillow, treats, toys, and water. Some things you may want to include in your pet emergency supply kit are:

• A three to five day supply of food and water for your pet, along with bowls and a non-electric can opener.
• Sanitation items for your furry friends, such as a litter box or puppy pads.
• Crates that can provide your pet with a secure and safe hiding spot.
• Any medications your pet is currently taking.

Tip #4: Make Sure Your Pet is ID’d

When you adopted your dog or cat, you likely created a pet tag to place on their collar. These IDs can be extremely helpful if your pet escapes your home or safe space during a natural disaster. When you ensure that your pet is wearing some form of identification, it will help you reunite with your furry friend once the storm passes. To really increase your chances of recovering your pet after they run away, consider having them microchipped at your local veterinary office. While collars and tags run the risk of falling off, microchips are an even more efficient way to ID your pet.

We hope that these tips have proven to be helpful as you prepare your home and family for a natural disaster. At FamilySAFE in Owasso, we understand how challenging it can be to prepare a safe room in or around your property, especially without the help of a professional. That’s why we specialize in providing our clients with high-quality safe rooms and shelters. From brand new constructions to existing homes, we’re more than happy to help you incorporate a tornado shelter on your property. If you’re interested in learning more about our shelters or you have questions regarding the construction of our safe rooms, contact us today!