(WUSA) - Pet owners are urged to develop an emergency plan to keep their pets safe before Hurricane Sandy makes landfall, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The group advises pet owners to prepare to take pets along if they need to evacuate, and offers these tips for preparing for severe weather and other natural disasters:
• Get a rescue alert sticker to let rescuers know that pets are inside your home, displaying it so it's visible and includes the types and number of pets in your household and the name and phone number of your veterinarian.
• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster, because animals can become disoriented and wander away from home during a crisis.
• Make sure all pets wear collars and tags with up-to-date identification, and consider micro-chipping your pet as a more permanent form of identification.
• Arrange a safe haven for your pets in the event of evacuation. Do not leave your pets behind.
• Always have a pet emergency kit and supplies handy, with items such as medical records, water, pet food and medications, and pet first aid supplies.
More information on preparedness and safety tips from the ASPCA, is available at www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/.