During floods, tornadoes and earthquakes is not the time to figure out what to do with your pets.

The West is on fire. Large swathes of Iowa have been destroyed by a massive windstorm called a “derecho.” And as I write, two hurricanes are heading for Louisiana. No matter where you live, you’re probably at risk of one natural disaster or another, including floods, tornadoes and earthquakes (although maybe we shouldn’t give 2020 any more ideas). Here’s how to be prepared.

Pack a “go bag” for each family member, including pets. A pet’s bag should include an unopened bag of food (enough for at least three days); copies of prescriptions and vaccination records; a toy, blanket or bed that smells like home; and a photo that could be used for a “lost” poster in case you become separated. Rotate food out of the go bag regularly, replacing it with a fresh bag. If you have to pack in a hurry, don’t forget medication, parasite preventive and grooming tools. Have an ice chest with a cold pack available for food or medications that need to remain chilled.

Remember the five P’s, advises Lorilynn (no last name given), who faced the 2017 Thomas Fire in Ojai, California. Those would be Pets, Prescriptions, Passports, Papers and Pictures.

Carla Wilson-Leff, who lives on two acres in Elko, Nevada, with three dogs and a rabbit, is always ready to go during fire season.

“My van holds 95% of the things I need for my dogs, including a case of water,” she said. “If we needed to evacuate, I add dog food, medications, toiletries and clothes. I keep a cat carrier next to my rabbit’s stall. I could have us out of here in 15 minutes.”

Terilynn Mitchell lives in Forestville, California, with six cats. When her home was recently threatened by fire, she was ready to evacuate with her cats to her brother’s home.

“At the first sign of danger, I loaded a litter box, potty pads, litter, scoop, and wet and dry food,” she said. “My carriers are always set up with towels and potty pads. I planned ahead of time who would go in which carrier.”

She placed important paperwork, electronics, medical equipment, medications and feline paraphernalia in the car first, then placed the cats in carriers and loaded them. “It might have been better to load the cats first before they got anxious, but it was 90 degrees and I feared them overheating,” she said.

Prepare pets for travel. If they aren’t already accustomed to carriers, start teaching them now that the carrier is a great place to be. Leave carriers or crates out in areas where family members spend time. Place treats inside them regularly for pets to find. Put a favorite blankie or toy inside to make the carrier a cozy hideaway. Spraying or wiping the interior with synthetic feline or canine pheromones (not while the pet is in the carrier) that send calming chemical messages can also give it an air of security. You can find more about carrier training at https://bit.ly/2EQzFD2.

Take a first aid class. Those skills prepare you for the unexpected.

“In a disaster, pets could step on broken glass or flying debris could cause injuries,” said Arden Moore, a master certified pet first/CPR instructor with Pet First Aid 4U. Her advice?

“After taking a first aid class, have some fun practicing wrapping the leg, splinting the leg, getting the dog or cat in or out of a carrier safely so they have that predictability factor,” she said. The same goes for practicing evacuations.

“Do practice drills. Make it a game. You don’t want them freaking out when the real deal hits,” Moore said.

Finally, if you’re in a safe place and have room to spare, offer to take in animals or humans who need shelter from the storm. You can also find more about disaster prep at https://bit.ly/3lJD6vX.

Pet Connection is produced by a team of pet-care experts headed by veterinarian Marty Becker and journalist Kim Campbell Thornton of Vetstreet.com. Joining them is dog trainer and behavior consultant Mikkel Becker.