Lenexa is urging pet owners to build disaster plans for their animals before the next tornado warning sounds.
The city published emergency preparedness guidance on Aug. 20, telling residents to include dogs, cats and other household pets in their emergency planning. The advisory covers tornadoes, floods, wildfires, hazardous materials incidents and prolonged power outages.
Here's what the city recommends.
Know where your pet hides
Lenexa's guidance tells owners to note where their pets typically retreat inside the home so they can be found fast during a rapid evacuation. Dogs under beds, cats behind dryers. Knowing the spot saves minutes when a siren is blaring.
ID and microchip now
Pets that spend time outdoors should wear collars with current identification tags, the city said. Microchipping provides permanent, tamper-proof identification and improves the odds of reunification if an animal gets loose during a storm. Pet owners can license dogs and cats through the city. The annual fee is $12 for spayed or neutered animals and $22 for those that are not.
Line up a place to go
Many emergency shelters and temporary housing locations do not accept animals, the city warned. Owners should identify pet-friendly hotels, boarding facilities or friends and family willing to take in a pet during a displacement before an emergency hits.
Pack a go-kit
Lenexa recommends assembling a pet emergency kit that includes:
- Three to seven days of food in an airtight, waterproof container
- A water bowl and several days' supply of water
- Medications in a waterproof container
- Vaccination and medical records
- A leash, harness or carrier
- Waste bags and litter supplies
- Comfort items such as toys or blankets
- Recent photographs of the pet
- Veterinarian contact information
The city advises reviewing the kit regularly to confirm food and medications have not expired.
After the storm
When returning to disaster-affected areas, pets should stay on leashes or in carriers. Familiar landmarks may be gone, and debris, contaminated water and downed power lines can all pose risks to animals exploring off-leash.
The city's bottom line: if it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet.
Residents can find additional emergency preparedness resources at Lenexa.com/EmergencyPrep.
