Businesses were destroyed in Katy overnight when an EF-1 tornado that had 90-mile-per-hour winds hit the area. Most of us only sustained a few fallen branches and down fences, but are shaken by the experience. We started the week with a fascinating eclipse only to see a different side of Mother Nature a couple of days later. While it could certainly have been worse, this is a reminder that we should prepare for weather emergencies year-round. Today, we’re discussing West Houston Recovers After Devastating Tornado: Pet Care Tips for Residents.
West Houston Recovers After Devastating Tornado: What To Do Today
Before letting your pets out in the yard or neighborhood, consider that there may be hazards including open gates, broken fences, and down power lines after last night’s tornado. Take the following steps today to prevent injury, loss, and illness.
Check Your Yard for Tornado Damage
Make pet loss prevention your priority. Check the perimeter of your fence to ensure that you do not have gaps where your pet could escape. Check your gates and your home’s windows and doors to ensure that the tornado didn’t affect screens before using them.
Be Smart About Your Surroundings
Maintaining a safe distance, visually inspect nearby power lines and trees to ensure that you do not need to call the electric company for immediate intervention. The Public Utility Commission of Texas has a guide here. Refrain from walking around your neighborhood for a day or two, especially avoiding areas where you know that electrical crews are working. Keep a close watch on the road when driving to prevent punctured tires and avoid down power lines.
Find Your Lost Pet
Finally, if your pet is missing, use your resources to get the word out. We recommend posting on NextDoor, Facebook, Katy, Texas Lost & Found Pets, and submitting a lost or found pet report here. The good news about the aftermath of a weather event is that workers are out and residents are on high alert, which may result in a quicker reunion with your beloved pet. Don’t give up and please let us know if there is any way we can join in the search.
Manage Power Outages
Power outages can be a nightmare, especially with young children and pets at home. We recommend you watch your home’s temperature to keep your pet from overheating. We also remind you that your and your pet’s food safety may be compromised – especially if you feed your pet raw or canned foods that were previously open. Always beware of candle fires, opting instead of flashlights. And, compile all your pet’s rabies certificates, collar with ID tags and walk equipment, and medication in a safe space in case we have another weather event before the power comes back on.
In extreme cases, you may need to seek shelter in an area with power if you don’t feel that you and your family are safe at home until the power comes back. Thankfully, temperatures are not as high as they can be in the summer right now but indoor temps can rise quickly. Here are some ways to beat the heat at home.
West Houston Recovers After Devastating Tornado: What To Do Next Time
Plan & Prepare
Now that we’ve all experienced this unexpected yet common weather event, we’re reminded that Mother Nature cannot be taken for granted. Instead, we have to have a designated plan in place for when weather emergencies threaten our area. Check out this blog for tips on compiling an emergency kit for the whole family. While the blog is specific to hurricanes, the emergency kit should be useful and accessible all year long.
Designate a Safe Space
Every family should designate a safe space where the family will congregate during a weather emergency, be it a hurricane or tornado. Experts recommend an interior room with no windows. When congregated in the safe space, we recommend that small animals be placed in their travel carriers for the duration. We also recommend that dogs be harnessed and leashed when in the designated safe space.
As a Katy-based business that proudly serves the West Houston area, our hearts break seeing our community affected. Because we believe in prevention, we hope that our clients and friends will take this and all events seriously. The 2024 hurricane season is predicted to be more active than usual. We urge you to discuss your plans with your family and always make your pet(s) an integral part of your emergency and evacuation plans.
To learn about our in-home pet care services including dog walking, dog sitting, and cat sitting, contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015. Our team of outstanding pet care providers offers quality care dog sitting, cat sitting, and dog walking services in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress.
Stay safe out there!
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