Everything is bigger in Texas, including hurricane season. In a ranking of which states have the most hurricanes, Texas comes in at number two, after Florida. Make sure you’re prepared to not only care for yourself, but your pets as well, should disaster strike.
Texas hurricane season
June 1 is the start of hurricane season for the U.S., but for Texas the height of the season will occur between August and October, peaking on September 10, when warm sea temperatures, low wind shear, and other factors combine to create major storms. For 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an “above normal” season with an estimated 14-21 named storms. As reported by Houston Public Media:
“NOAA has predicted up to six of the 21 named storms to be major, ranging anywhere from Category 3 to Category 5 hurricanes, in which winds reach speeds of 111 miles per hour or greater. While forecasters cannot confirm how many of these named storms will land and make an impact on communities, they advise residents of vulnerable areas to stay vigilant.”
Make sure your emergency contact information is up to date
If you are one of our lodging or daycare clients, this may be the simplest hurricane preparedness step you can take and, yet, it’s the one most often forgotten: confirm we have your current emergency contact information. The emergency contact person you identified for us perhaps years, or just months, ago may have moved out of the area or gotten a new phone number. Not sure? Contact us and let’s confirm we have the most current emergency contact information on file.
Hurricane preparedness checklist for your pets
After you’ve confirmed we have your current emergency contact information in the event of a hurricane (or other emergency), make sure you have the following for your pets:
- Food, water, and medication for several days.
- Harness, leash, and collar with tags or identification in case your pet gets lost in the storm.
- Copy of medical records and microchip numbers.
- Carrier or crate with enough room to stand up and lie down comfortably.
- Clean-up and waste supplies such as waste bags, kitty litter and a litter box.
- Favorite items from home such as a blanket, bowl, toy, or chew.
- Recent pet photo and a ready first aid kit.
- Pet-friendly housing identified on your evacuation route: hotels, friends, family, boarding facilities.
- Designated caretaker in your absence.
- Your awareness to drive carefully and turn around when you see any standing water, downed trees or powerlines on the road.
According to the National Weather Service, “hurricanes can and have struck the Texas coast during every month of the hurricane season. Since 1851, 64 hurricanes have struck the Texas coast.” In short, odds are high Texas will be hit by at least one hurricane this year—be prepared for you and your pet!
Barkaritaville Pet Resort in Corpus Christi and San Antonio offers a full range of services, including doggie daycare, luxury pet lodging, grooming, and more. Our caring team of professionals is ready to meet the needs of your furry family member. Contact us to learn more about our pet resorts.
Image, above, by Wikilmages from Pixabay
