Disasters can strike at any time. From floods to wildfires, from hurricanes to earthquakes, you need to be prepared to deal with your animals in case of emergency.

The first thing you can do to ensure your animal’s wellbeing is prepare a pet kit. This kit should include photos of your pet, vaccinations records, drinking water, either in bottles or in gallons, pet food, medications, leash if necessary, a carrier if necessary, and a list of contact numbers, including numbers for your vet, local animal shelter, and emergency pet hospitals.

If you have to evacuate, take your pets! If you can’t, leave the pet in a room without windows, such as a bathroom or laundry room. Make sure to provide plenty of water and food, and leave a note outside the room in a clearly visible spot advising the location of your pet, his name, his breed, and a list of contact numbers.

Make sure your pets are always wearing identification and train them as best you can so that, in case something should happen, you can be sure they’ll listen to you. Treat them as you would any member of the family and they’ll pay you back in the long run.