For those who own pets, you have several responsible choices when a hurricane threatens:

1: Keep them with you at home.

2: Take them with you to a pet-friendly motel or public shelter.

3: Board them in a hurricane-safe kennel.

4: Road trip to a relative's or friend's residence outside the hurricane danger zone.

If you decide to stay, designate a "safe" room where pets can go, preferably without windows and solid walls. You'll need a preparedness kit for each pet.

Here's what FEMA recommends (in addition to proof of updated vaccinations):

• A leash with collar and ID
• Animal crate
• Two-week supply of food, water and any medications.
• Don't forget towels to dry them off after a walk in the rain.
• If you have a cat, be sure to bring kitty litter and an appropriate container.
• Check around NOW for kennels that are hurricane safe (located inland, away from storm surge, with an independent power source). It might be smart to register with them ahead of time providing the latest vaccination and medical information.
• During the early signs of an approaching storm, make your reservations early because the kennels will fill up fast. The same goes for finding motels that are pet-friendly.