September is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Preparedness Month, and we at the American Humane Association recommend people make a plan to help keep themselves, their children and pets safe in case extreme weather affects their community.

People should review their family’s evacuation plan and double-check emergency supplies, including bowls, water, food and medicine. If they must evacuate their home, they should take their pets, along with their vaccination papers and photos in case they become separated.

If they cannot leave their home, they should choose a safe place in which to ride out a storm — an interior room without windows — and take their entire family there, including their pets. It helps if people know their pets’ hiding places; that’s where they may run during bad weather.

People also should make sure the storm has fully passed before going outside to assess damages and before allowing children or animals out. Dogs should be kept on a leash and cats in a carrier, and children close at hand. Downed electric wires, contaminated water and sharp debris could harm them.

Having a plan ready before a storm is essential to protecting our family and our pets. Taking just a few moments to prepare could save the life of those we love.

Robin Ganzert, president

American Humane Association

Washington, D.C.