If you live in an area that is heavily affected by hurricanes, such as if you live along the coast, there is a chance that you and your family will have to evacuate your home during hurricane season. When doing so, you also have to worry about what you will do to keep your dog safe. Luckily, following these tips can help you prepare your dog for a hurricane evacuation.

1. Gather Your Dog's Medical and Vaccination Records

It is important to gather up your dog's medical and vaccination records prior to evacuating. Depending on where you are going, you may be asked for your pet's vaccination records. For example, some pet-friendly hurricane shelters or boarding facilities will ask to see shot records. Plus, in case your dog gets injured or ill during the evacuation, you'll want to have this information available in case you have to take your pet to an emergency animal hospital.

2. Pack Up Necessities

You wouldn't leave home without packing up some of your necessities -- unless you absolutely had to -- and you won't want to do that to your pet, either. Keep all of Fido's belongings in a dedicated bag, and make sure that you bring along enough stuff to keep your dog well cared for and fed for at least one week. Pack a large container of fresh water, a week's worth of food (or more, if possible), bowls for food and water and any necessary medications. Bringing along a favorite toy, a bone and/or a favorite blanket or pet bed can also help make your pet feel more comfortable during this potentially frightening time.

3. Arrange for a Safe, Pet-Friendly Place

Before you head out -- and preferably before a hurricane even becomes a threat to your area -- you'll need to make arrangements for where to take your pet during this trying time. Many hurricane evacuation shelters that are set up for residents will not take pets, so make sure that you call ahead to get the green light before heading to one of these places. An alternative to staying in a shelter could be to book a hotel that is pet-friendly, or you could take your dog to a boarding kennel that is away from the coast so that you and your family can evacuate to a non-pet-friendly area.

Preparing your dog for a hurricane evacuation is critical if you want to keep your four-legged family member safe during inclement weather. Luckily, following these three steps will help.