Severe weather can damage your home and no building is indestructible by dangerous storms. There are things you can do to minimize the amount of damage you may incur from severe weather.

Preparedness Tips

Invest in a portable NOAA weather alert radio, or sign up for wireless or email alerts to let you know of approaching storms.

Make sure your home is up to, or exceeds, Standard Building Code. Hire an inspector to point out areas where you can improve the structure of your home.

Keep an eye on windows, doors, the roof, gables and connections. These areas could be weak

Severe Weather and Pets

High winds, thunder and lightning can be traumatic to some pets during severe storms. Loud sounds, such as thunderous lightning claps, often produce anxiety, fear and a need to escape. The following helpful hints can help your pets brave the weather and reduce their fear and anxiety.

Create a Safe Place: Try to create a safe place for your animals. If the animal is trying to get under your bed, give them access to your bedroom. You can also create a “hidey-hole” that is dark, small, and shielded from the frightening sounds as much as possible.

Distract Your Dog: Use this method when your dog is just beginning to get anxious. Encourage them to engage in any activity that captures their attention and distracts her from being fearful. Examples include playing with toys, throwing a ball to them indoors, petting them, etc.

De-Sensitize Them to Frightening Sounds: Over a period of time, expose your pet to an intensity level of noise that doesn’t frighten her. Pair the noise with something pleasant, like a treat or a fun game. Professional guidance by a trained professional is greatly encouraged for this method.

Consult Your Veterinarian: Medication may be available which can help reduce your dog’s anxiety levels for short time periods.

Include Pets in Severe Weather Evacuation Plans: During severe weather, don’t forget to include your pets in your evacuation or safety plans. Do not keep pets tied to trees or fences during lightning, flooding, tornadoes, or hurricanes. Animals should take the same cover that humans do during severe weather. Make sure your pet has a secure collar and identification tags. Also consider creating a “Pet Disaster Kit.”