-Plan ahead. Ask friends and family if your pet would be welcome in case of an emergency. If that's not possible, make a list of pet-friendly accommodation where you and your pet can stay. Make arrangements with a trusted neighbor to bring your pets (and your pet emergency kit) to you at a specified location. To ensure that your pet can easily be identififed, the ASPCA recommneds implanting a scannable microchip in your pet's shoulder area.

   -Prepare early for evacuation. Bring pets inside and keep dogs on a leash and cats in carriers so they don't get lost or bolt in the confusion. Don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order because you may be forced to leave pets behind.

   -Don't let pets roam loose. Without familiar landmarks and smells, it's easy for pets to become disoriented and lose their way home. If possible, keep your pets inside.

   If your house is damaged but still habitable, keeps pets inside, dogs on leashes and cats in carriers.

   -Be consistent. Try to get pets back into their normal routines as quickly as possible; it will help pets recover from the stress of an emergency.

   -Be patient. Pets may respond to an emergency by exhibiting behavioral problems. If they persist, talk to your veterinarian.

   -Avoid encouraging anxious behavior. While soothing a fearful pet is a natural instinct for most pet owners, a dog may mistake petting, stroking and hugging as praise for its reaction to thunder. Ignoring a nervous pet may seem cruel, but in the long run everyone will be happier.

   -Try a little conditoner. Playing a recording of a thunderstorm can help dogs overcome their fear of the noise. Start at a low volume, then slowly increase the sound. When they remain relaxed during the training, praise them for their behavior.

   -Maintain your cool. Your pet takes cues from you about how to respond to the world. If you minimize your own response to a storm by keeping your voice steady and not reacting to thunderclaps, your pet may learn that there is nothing to fear.

• Food and water for a minimum of five days (don't forget a manual can opener)
• Pet bowls
• Cat litter and a litter box
• Medications
• Documentation (including a current photo and description in case your pet becomes separated from you)
• The name and number of your veterinarian
• Other essentials such as newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and cleaners
• Pet beds and toys