In the aftermath of the Moore tornadoes

It occurred to me that as much as we (OK, I, at least) suck at disaster preparedness, or at least as far as having a kit ready with medications and supplies, we're probably even less prepared with our pets. I know this because lots of people aren't taking care of a few pet basics day-to-day, mostly out of ignorance that they need to be done, but hey, that's what I'm here for (*huffs on knuckles, brushes said knuckles against shirt*). Here's a brief and likely incomplete list of disaster preparations that need to be made for pets:

1) Get your pet a good set of legible tags, include several options for contacting you, and replace the tags when they wear out.

2) IN ADDITION to the tags, get your pet microchipped, and keep the microchip information up-to-date with the company who provided the chip. Find a chip company that allows lifetime subscription at one price, like AVID. Even if your home address and phone number no longer exist after a storm, rescuers will be able to scan your pet's chip, see that the info is up-to-date when they contact the chip company, and know that your pet has a loving home and needs to be cared for until you can get there.

3) Keep your pets vaccinated, even if they live entirely indoors, because they could get out or end up out in the elements without you despite your best efforts.

4) Don't declaw cats or otherwise impede your pet's natural defenses, in case they end up outside and having to fend for themselves.

5) Keep their food, supplies, and medication handy just like you would your own, for disaster preparedness.

6) Take them with you, in their carriers or on leashes, to the shelter you seek during the storm, if you are home with them when it hits. Provide them with good shelter when you're not home, in case a storm hits (preferably inside your house). They will instinctively seek the best shelter in a tornado-- under something, away from wind.

There are probably many other things that need to be added to this list. If I think of them, I will. Can you think of anything I didn't list here? Let me know!