Take this quiz, courtesy of The Humane Society of the United States, to check your level of preparedness.

(1) Can you gather all your pets and put them into pet carriers in time? Do you have carriers for all your pets?

(2) Are all your pets wearing collars and ID tags with their name, your name, your telephone number, and an emergency telephone number outside the area? Are they microchipped?

(3) If your cat or dog escapes the carrier and becomes lost, could you provide a recent photograph?

(4) Do you know where you can go with your pets in the event of an emergency evacuation? Do you know of any nearby animal-friendly motels and hotels, boarding kennels and vet offices?

(5) Do you have your veterinarian's telephone number handy in case your dog or cat becomes ill?

(6) Do you have a contingency plan to evacuate your pets if something happens when you are at work?

(7) Where is your pet's disaster evacuation emergency "go kit"?

If you answered "no" to any of these questions, now is the time to begin disaster preparations before it's too late. Check out more planning tips for companion animals and farm animals at www.hsus.org.

Our local shelters are also busy urging pet owners to prepare for disaster. The Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.houstonspca.org), the Houston Humane Society (www.houstonhumane.org/tips.aspx) and Citizens for Animal Protection (www.cap4pets.org/emergency.html) all have great information up on their websites about disaster preparation.

Here are the Survival 101 Basics:

Before hurricane season begins, photograph each pet and store these pictures with other important documents, such as vaccination history and emergency contact information, in sealed/waterproof plastic bags. I have one copy sealed and taped to the top of my dog's crate! A second copy is in the portable disaster kit.

Have a crate or kennel for each four-legged family member. Familiarize your pet with his/her home-away-from-home before disaster strikes.

Make sure that all animals are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

All dogs and cats should wear collars and identification tags with current information. Dogs should wear nylon or leather collars only and never place tags on training collars or choke chains. Cats should wear a break-a-way/safety collar. You should include the name and phone number of a friend OUTSIDE the greater Houston area in case your phone service is not functioning immediately following a disaster.

Your pet should be microchipped. This permanent form of identification can prove ownership of your pet.

Pack a portable pet disaster kit in a waterproof airtight container and include the following:

Towels or blankets to line the carrier or crate.
Sheets to cover each carrier, if necessary.
Paper Towels.
Food and water, a one to two week supply, for each animal.
Food and water bowls.
Non-electric can opener.
Medications, a one month supply, clearly labeled with instructions. Include flea and heartworm preventative.
Litter, litterboxes and a scoop if you have cats.
A copy of your pet's vaccination records, microchip records, photograph, care instructions and contact information.
A list of pet friendly hotels/motels, boarding kennels, and vet offices.
Animal first aid kit.
Extra leashes.
Toys and treats.
Plastic bags for pet waste disposal.
Newspapers.
Disinfectants and other cleaning supplies.
Grooming supplies.

And, finally, if you must evacuate, take your pets with you! If conditions are unsafe for people, they are unsafe for pets.

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On a personal note, everyone always asks me if I really have all this disaster stuff ready to go. The honest answer is YES! We have enough food, water and supplies to be self-sufficient and live in our home for at least two weeks. In the event we had to leave our house/shelter, I have a three-person six-day supply of 5-Year-Shelf-Life U.S. Coast Guard Approved emergency food and water, emergency shelter, lighting, communication, first aid and search and rescue supplies packed inside an easy-to-carry bag. The pet supplies are in a Rubbermaid tub and ready to go too. Crazy? Perhaps, but after surviving the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, a hurricane and several notable ice storms and blizzards, I'm ready for disaster!