Evacuations are underway in some coastal areas of Louisiana as a Tropical Storm Barry threatens the state.
In New Orleans, heavy rains have already led to street flooding, stranded drivers and flooded homes. As much as 9 inches of rain fell in the city, with more to come.
The severe weather is a threat to not just humans, but their pets too.
The Humane Society of the U.S. has already stepped up to provide residents with tips on keeping their pets safe during flooding and evacuations.
GULF COAST: Tropical Storm Barry is headed your way! ❗❗❗
— The Humane Society of the United States (@HumaneSociety) July 11, 2019
Do you have a disaster plan for you and your pets? https://t.co/kBD6gxEoGA https://t.co/QbSigifzxI
Here are steps to help protect your pets as the Gulf Coast braces for severe weather.
The Humane Society recommends evacuating with your pet, noting, "If it isn't safe for you, it isn't safe for your pets."
Remember, though, that not all public shelters accept pets. Ask your local animal shelter, veterinarian or emergency management office where you can go with your pet.
(MORE: Evacuations ordered as tropical system targets Louisiana)If no shelters in your area accept pets, plan ahead of time to take your pet to a veterinarian's office or to friends and family who live outside of the evacuation zone.
The Humane Society also has a list of websites to visit to find pet-friendly lodging in your area.
The Department of Emergency Management in Florida, a state well-versed in storms, advises creating a portable kit, stored in a sturdy container, stocked with supplies for your pet including medications, leashes and/or carriers, current photos of your pet, food (including a can opener as needed), potable water and water bowls, toys and beds (if transportable), veterinarian contact information and a list of your pet's feeding schedule, medical conditions and any behavior problems.
Make sure that cats and dogs are wearing collars and identification tags that are up to date and that include your cell phone number and the phone number of a friend of relative outside of your area, recommends the Humane Society.
If you are not in an evacuation zone, bring pets indoors as the storm approaches so you can evacuate or shelter inside at a moment's notice. As you evacuate, keep pets either on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
Our Humane Law & Rescue team is responding to emergency calls only. Phone lines are intermittent so keep our primary and secondary numbers handy!
— Louisiana SPCA (@LASPCA) July 10, 2019
Primary: 504.368.5191 x.100
Secondary: 504.818.4116 pic.twitter.com/6Dm1hymWD7
The Humane Society tells pet owners to include their pets in the safe area of the home where they are sheltering too during the storm.
The "safe room" in the house is where pets' emergency supplies should be stored as well, including food and water, medications and crates.
(MORE: New app reunites missing pets with owners by using facial recognition)For cats, make sure "unsafe nooks and crannies" in the home are sealed off so frightened cats do not have a place to hide.
After the storm, pet owners are advised to keep their animals leashed as they readjust to their surroundings, according to the Humane Society.
Pets may also be disoriented after being evacuated or enduring the hurricane, so pet owners are advised to be patient.
"Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible," the Humane Society advises, noting that pets with persisting behavioral or medical problems should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
This includes horses, pigs, and other livestock.
If you can evacuate with them or bring them to a safer farm, you should absolutely do so. Try to get them to higher ground if flooding is expected.
When putting together a kit of food and water for them, buy gallons in order to be prepared.
As for tagging your animals, be gentle, but you can get creative like painting your name and number on the side of a horse with paint that's not toxic and chemical-free.
If you can't evacuate your large animal, in this case, do not lock them up in a confined space. Let them roam somewhere that's considered somewhat free so if there's major destruction and flooding and you can't get to them, they can hopefully escape to shelter.
ABC News' Michael Rothman, Mark Osborne and Daniel Manzo contributed to this report.
