During recent floods in the Midwest, Reuters reported that hundreds of pets were lost or imperiled by floodwaters. In light of this, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) has put forth information for pet owners to prepare for the hazards of flooding and protect their furry family members. "It's a tragedy we've seen too many times: pets stuck in shelters, or worse, because their owners had no place to take them, or homeowners who feel trapped in a dangerous home because they don't know where to take their pets," Eric Cioppa, NAIC president and superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Insurance, said in a statement. "We want folks to remember that there are places you can take your pet, and that it's important to plan ahead and be ready for the worst." In the slideshow above, the NAIC outlines 5 natural disaster preparation tips for pet owners to follow to keep their pets safe in the event tragedy strikes. Related: Pet insurance claims surge as usage grows