Pets are an important part of your family and your daily lives, but don’t forget to also think of them while preparing for potential emergencies. Pets' basic needs and safe accommodations should be included as part of your family’s emergency plan, whether you stay at home or evacuate to another location. For instance, while making your emergency supply kit, be sure to have items such as a leash, muzzle, food, water, identification tags, veterinary records, medications, and a carrier or cage, made specifically for your four-legged friends.

Also, prior to an emergency, make sure to check with your county Emergency Management Office to locate a pet-friendly shelter in the area, just in case you need to evacuate your home.

For more information on how to keep your pets safe, healthy and happy during an emergency, check out this helpful video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzEumVP1GlA.

For steps on how to create a pet emergency plan and for your own copy of the Florida Department of Health Family Emergency Preparedness Guide, visit www.floridahealth.gov.