Comments on: Disaster prep: How soon we forget

By: Laura

Laura — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 03:27:53 +0000

Can’t thank Gina enough for posting this. I live in NC, where we get hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes on a regular basis (not mention the occasional ice storm or wildfire). We have co-located shelters in a lot of places here - mobile animal shelters that they bring to where the human shelter is, so you can board your pet in safety. Some even have separate dog and cat areas, though not always. Other pets are still difficult. But it’s a whole lot better than nothing.

But it’s SOOO important to have a copy of the most recent shots, other records, medications, etc. The folks at the shelters have to revaccinate if you can’t show proof that your furry kids are current. And microchipping makes tracking the kids a lot easier, too, if something should happen.

Some other things I’ve learned -
If you have a cell number or an out of state contact, *add them* to your microchip and vet records. If you evacuate and get separated from your pets, rescuers can still reach either you or someone elsewhere that you’ll know to check in with.

Buy the *big* jugs of water, if you can carry them. You and your pets will need more than you think, especially if it’s hot and you have no A/C. You may need H2O to cool everyone down.
And you can’t boil more without power or gas, unless you have a gas grill with a side burner.
(You can always use bleach to make water safe in a pinch, but a lot of cats won’t drink it - the amount it takes to disinfect water smells strong.)

When you pack your clothes, etc, for your emergency kit, throw in a few old towels or rags for wet pets or spare bedding if needed.

Also - those semi-disposable plastic bowls (Glad, etc.) are great - they nest compactly, are tough enough to wash and disinfect, but don’t weigh much at all. Plus, you can seal them up if the kids don’t finish a meal. Not as good as a fridge, but it keeps out the bugs.

By: Trudy Jackson

Trudy Jackson — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:31:23 +0000

Kat,
what is your board for? Do You just join it? Please explain. Thanks

By: Deanna

Deanna — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:27:25 +0000

Comment by Kat — June 1, 2007 @ 9:05 am

Kat -

Our biggest threat here are tornados, not floods. A carrier would be a safe place for a while if the house was rumble and we all survived.

Not only is it hurrican season for the coast, we are in tornado season here. There are all types of disasters to prepare for.

By: Linda

Linda — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:10:05 +0000

Carol PW - I learned my lesson - was surrounded by fire along freeway - all traffic stopped for hours - had water - no bowl - now have big bowl in car too.

By: Floridian

Floridian — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 21:07:46 +0000

Also, if your animals are the nervous types, you will help them through the storm easier if you purchase rescue remedy or other type of safe herbal calming remedy or a mild tranq from your vet. Animals get just as scared as us humans in a cane

By: Carol PW

Carol PW — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:06:31 +0000

Don’t forget pet food/water bowls in the emergency supplies box. I’ve had to use the car cup holder, and it really is too small.

By: Kat

Kat — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:04:27 +0000

ooops! …the link… http://www.truthinfoodlabeling.....board=91.0

By: Kat

Kat — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 19:03:38 +0000

Found your article & have posted! I needed to make a Child Board for COOL anyway & yours is at the top.

Thanks for thinking of my site & getting the word out!

By: Kat

Kat — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:37:43 +0000

Comment by Elaine — June 1, 2007 @ 9:21 am

Ok, thanks Elaine. I’ll see if I can find it. I’ve been on 4 threads today — all over the place & missed your comment earlier.

By: Eva

Eva — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 18:33:45 +0000

For anyone living in Florida, our hurricane supplies can be purchased tax free, beginning today (through June 12th). When you buy bottled water, do get enough for pets as well. Ditto for food. Have a first aid kit prepared for humans and animals (including medications).

If you live in an evacuation zone, leave when advised and HAVE A PLAN which includes ALL members of your family. Take any pertinent records—insurance, medical, etc. (including verification of yearly vaccinations and any applicable pet licenses for your babies).

Camping out in, say, one of the pet friendly hotels in Orlando—with lots of other freaked out animals—could result in the odd free-for-all. (A family member had this happen.) Proof of vaccinations (regardless of which dog was the aggressor) will help reassure everyone. Relatedly, animals MUST be secured or on leash whenever they are in public areas.

I suppose I should exhort people to maintain some semblance of calm. You know what I mean…if you must leave, make the car ride an ADVENTURE. Easy enough to say…I normally assume a fetal position in front of the TV (permanently tuned to the Weather Channel) during hurricane season. I get up only to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, tend to the dogs or check in with WeatherBug on the computer.

Anyway, good luck to other along the gulf coast. Let’s hope it is spared this year.