Help your pets stay safe during severe weather. Your pet counts on you.

The Suffolk County SPCA released these nine guidelines:

1. Be ready to evacuate.

2. Have essential supplies ready to "grab and go."

3. Know where to find temporary housing for you and your pet.

4. Make sure that your pet can be identified. Your pet should always wear his or her ID collar and rabies tag.

5. In the event that you must evacuate, take care of your pet. Never leave your pet behind. He/she may become lost, injured or worse.

6. Have a plan in advance. Consider friends and relatives who can take care of your pet outside your local area. Check for pet-friendly shelters, hotels and motels that allow pets. Petswelcome.com has a listing of pet-friendly options.

7. Create a pet emergency supply kit. Pack basic supplies including food, medication, a flashlight, food and water bowls, can opener, cage or carrier, extra collar, litter box, plastic trash bags, wee-wee pads.

8. Bring important records including recent photo of you with our pet, contact information and microchip information.

9. In the case of severe damage to your home, one must consider a long-term plan. Consider family or friends who live outside of the local area.