How To Plan For Hurricane Season With Pets

If you're like many pet owners, your furry friends are an extension of your household. And when you prepare to keep your family safe during a hurricane, that must mean your entire family — pets included.

Hurricanes can be especially disastrous because damage sustained during the storm can take months to recover from. Power outages, road closures, medical facility closures and difficulty accessing food can affect hurricane victims for weeks or months following a storm. Imagine living with your pets for weeks in a hurricane-struck disaster scene without preparing ahead of time — it's a bad situation.

Here’s what to know, according to American Humane, FEMA and other experts:

-Have a plan ahead of time that includes pet-friendly evacuation locations if necessary, whether it's a shelter, a hotel or with a friend or family member.

-Microchips implanted under a pet’s skin are a way for lost pets to be reunited with their owners in case of emergency. Shelters, humane groups and veterinarians across the country now commonly check for these implanted microchips when they come across a lost pet.

-Assign a specific household member to be responsible for any pets and their supplies during an evacuation or weather emergency.

What advice do our pet-loving Weather.com staffers have for you?

-Senior digital meteorologist Chris Dolce, human to dog Sunny and cats Coco, Domineck and Sabrina: “Power outages following a storm can last days or weeks in some cases, so be sure you are aware of the forecast for the days after a hurricane passes through since hot, humid conditions in a hurricane's wake could expose your pet to heat-related illnesses.”

-Reporter Jan Childs, who lives in Florida with cats Chuey and Little Kitty plus dog Rain: “Last year was the first time we’ve evacuated with the dog, but she’s always up for an adventure. The cats are another story, even after going through several evacuations with them. For example, you have to bring their litter box and something to clean up all the fur they inevitably leave behind on furniture.”

Want more of our coverage on pets and weather?

-WATCH: Why To Put Your Guinea Pigs Outside This Spring

-READ: Heatstroke Is A Dangerous Threat To Dogs – And Not Just In Cars

-WATCH: Five Cat Breeds That Love Outdoor Adventures