Advanced planning is the best way for people and their pets to survive a disaster, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

The I.I.I. offers the following tips to protect your pets during a disaster:

Find a safe place ahead of time

Most of the public shelters that are set up for disaster victims will not accept any animals other than service animals.

Although 16 states have laws requiring emergency managers to consider the needs of pets in disaster planning, the majority of states do not do so.

It is your responsibility as a pet owner to research the various options in order to safeguard your pet in a disaster.

* Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets.

* Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians outside your area that might be able to shelter pets in an emergency. Include emergency phone numbers.

* Ask your local humane society or emergency management agency for information regarding community disaster response plans that might include pets.

* In the event you are not home when disaster strikes, make advance arrangements to have a friend or neighbor pick up your pets and meet you at a specified location.

Make a disaster

kit for your pets

Just as you should have a disaster kit for your family, you should prepare a similar kit for your pets, containing:

* Medication and medical records (including proof of rabies vaccination) in a waterproof container,

* Leashes, harnesses and carriers for transporting pets,

* A muzzle, if your pet requires one,

* Food and water for three days and a manual can opener,

* If you have a cat, litter and a litter box,

* Current photo and description of your pet in case you become separated,

* Name and phone number of your veterinarian, and

* Insurance company contact information and policy number if you have pet insurance.

If you evacuate,

take your pets

* Be prepared to leave early. Do not wait for an official evacuation as you might be ordered to leave your pets behind,

* Keep pets on leashes or in carriers at all times,

* Your pet should wear up-to-date identification at all times.

Include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your area in case your pet is lost or you cannot be reached, and

* Birds should be transported in a secure travel cage or carrier.

During warm weather, carry a plant mister to mist the birds' feathers periodically.

Do not put water inside the carrier during transport.

Instead, provide a few slices of fresh fruits and vegetables with high water contest.

After a disaster

* Once you return to your home, do not allow your pets to roam loose right away.

Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone and your pet may be disorientated.

Pets can easily get lost in such situations, so give them some time to get used to their "new" surroundings, and

* Be patient. Try to get your pets back into their normal routines as soon as possible and be on the lookout for stress-related behavioral problems. If these persist, talk to your veternarian.