Caryl McIntire Edwards, director of Voice for Animals, recommends the following preparations to care for pets during emergencies.

• Have a destination already planned in case of evacuation.

• Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area and ask if no-pet policies would be waived in emergencies.

• Ask friends or relatives outside your area if they would be willing to help, remembering that animals will likely feel more secure if they are kept together.

• Keep a list of boarding facilities and their 24-hour phone numbers. Animal shelters are often overwhelmed and should be a last resort.

• Assemble a portable pet-disaster kit that contains medications, medical records and a first-aid kit.

• Keep leashes, harnesses and carriers in one spot. Your animals must be secured to ensure they cannot escape. Animals often act differently when they are under stress.

• Have a current photo of an animal in case they get lost.

• Have a supply of food, water, cat litter and pan, and a can opener.

• Pet beds and toys are easily transportable and smell like home.

• Make sure all companion animals are wearing collars to which identification – including the name of the temporary shelter – has been attached.

• Find out if a neighbor will help your animals if you are not at home.

• Birds should be transported in a cage, with a blanket around them for warmth. Put slices of vegetables or fruit, but not water, in the cage. Have a photo or ID attached to a leg band.

• Reptiles should be transported in pillow cases and transferred to more secure cages at the shelter. Water and heating should be supplied.

• If the animal is large, like a horse, make arrangements ahead of time with local associations to transport them to safety.