Summer in St. Louis is notorious for frequent and powerful thunderstorms. With an average of 7 thunderstorm days in June, 7 in July, and 6 in August, our area experiences storms almost every week throughout the summer. Severe weather, including strong winds, large hail, and even tornadoes, can cause significant stress not only for people but also for our 4-legged kids. Recent years have seen storms causing widespread damage, power outages, and even loss of life in the region; therefore, it is more important than ever to take storms seriously. Today, I’m sharing my top tips for storm preparation for St. Louis pet parents.
Stormy in St. Louis, Missouri
Stormy in St. Louis, MissouriBecause of our location, the St. Louis area is impacted by warm moist air from the south, as well as cold air masses from the north. And, while our central location allows us to enjoy the four seasons, it also brings with it a threat of severe weather year-round. Just this May, we had a tornado that took 5 lives, injured others, and wrecked homes and businesses. Because most experts warn that severe weather is our new reality right now, we all need to be prepared for Mother Nature’s wrath. Mother Nature is not playing around!
Storm Alerts & Awareness
Storms can sneak up on us out of nowhere, which is why it’s so important to be prepared. In St. Louis, we have the following emergency resources that everyone should be aware of. I always recommend staying updated on weather-related news with alerts and notifications. Taking these alerts seriously is key, because once the alert is issues, it’s time to get serious about safety!
Storm Preparation for St. Louis Pet Parents
As a pet parent, my recommendation is to always have extra pet supplies on hand in a “go bag.” That way, whether it’s before or after a storm, you can grab what you need from one spot as opposed to having to search high and low for items that are laid out all over the house.
Storm Preparation Kit for Pets
Storm Preparation Kit for PetsSome of the things you’ll need in the case of a storm or storm aftermath where you’re without power or water include:
- Shelf-stable pet food
- Ample bottled water
- Portable food and water bowls
- Medications
- Flea, tick & heartworm prevention
- Harness and leash
- Collar with ID tags
- Microchip with current contact information
- Current vaccination records – primarily rabies
- A carrier or crate in case you have to evacuate somewhere that requires them
- A portable litter box and litter
- Poop bags
- Shelf-stable treats
- Pet-specific first aid kit that includes tweezers to remove ticks
The Best Care for St. Louis Pets
St. Louis summers can bring unpredictable and severe storms, so having a plan before the thunder rolls is crucial to keeping pets safe and comfortable. By preparing ahead and using these proven techniques, you can help your pets weather summer’s (and Mother Nature’s) wildest moments with confidence.
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Janie founded 4-Legged Kids, Inc in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997 and provides education through her PetBizHIVE podcast and her PetBizMBA membership and courses. She is a Certified Professional Animal Care Operator, Fear Free certified and a Certified Professional Pet Sitter. Learn more about the Founder, Janie Budnick.
