What should you do if there is an emergency situation, and you cannot make it home as scheduled?

I was forced to drive through severe deadly weather including tornadoes, hail, flash flooding and extensive lightning for over six hours to get home because my sitter was not willing to stay with my pets for another night. Her calendar indicated she was available, but she was still not willing to stay for just one more night so I could home safely. I did end having an accident trying to get home. If I had been flying or out of the country and not able to get home, I shudder to think of the consequences.