Shelters operated by the American Red Cross do not allow pets during emergencies unless they are service animals such as those used by the visually impaired. To make sure your pet will be safe, here are a few tips to consider when developing your emergency plan.

1. Contact hotels and motels in several towns outside of your immediate location and inquire about their policy for accepting pets during emergencies. Keep a list of these places in your emergency kit so you will know where to go. If you need to evacuate, call and make a reservation at one of these locations right away.

2. Ask friends and relatives outside of your community if they can keep your pets during times of emergencies.

3. Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who offer emergency shelter for animals.

4. When you are under a disaster warning, keep your pets inside. Make sure they are wearing collars with identification tags.

5. Birds should be moved in a secure travel cage. During cold weather, wrap a blanket around the carrier, and during warm weather, carry a water misting bottle to keep them cool. Instead of putting water in the carrier that may slosh out, use a piece of fruit high in water content such as melon.

Keep a photo of your bird with you for identification purposes and keep your bird in his cage and secure it with a fastener so they do not accidentally escape during the confusion.

6. Lizards should be moved and safeguarded like birds.

7. Snakes should be put in a pillowcase when evacuating and then secured upon reaching your destination in a closed container with air holes. Bring a bowl large enough for the reptile to soak in if it is hot or a heating pad if the weather is cold.

8. Pets like hamsters or gerbils should be moved in a secure cage with all the necessary food, bedding and water bottles.

9. If you are unable to bring your pet with you, make sure they are left in a safe, secure room without windows, but with adequate air. Leave enough food for three days.

One pet can drink several gallons of water daily, so put water in containers that are not easily knocked over. Leave a faucet dripping in the bathroom or sink, but leave the drain open so your pet won’t accidentally drown. (This means you will not be able to turn the water off when you evacuate your home.)

Make sure to close the toilet bowl for smaller pets that might fall in and be unable to get out. Leave toys and their bedding. Keep cats and dogs in different locations.

Put a notice on your front door stating where your pets are located in the house and a phone number of where to reach you. Never leave a pet tied up outside.

10. Prepare a pet disaster kit. Include food and treats, can opener if needed, water, pet medications, sturdy leashes or harnesses, pet carrier, current photo of pet in the event they get lost, the name and number of your veterinarian, a favorite toy and proper identification/ immunization records

Be sure to consider family pets when preparing your emergency disaster plan. Include instructions for caring for animals and medications.