Do you have a Plan?
Hurricanes and Tornadoes
June 1st is more than the beginning of Summer, it's also the beginning of Hurricane Season.
With the Devastating Hurricane Activity last year it is more important than ever to be prepared.
Our Hearts go out to the people and pets who have suffered under Hurricanes
in the past and to all those who still suffer from the effects of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
Though we at ALPRAS made it through Hurricane Irma safely last year, we know many who did not.
Please do your part in making sure you are best prepared for any Natural Disaster.
As a Rescue based out of Florida, we know a thing or two about Hurricanes.
Unlike tornadoes, Hurricanes usually come with a good amount of warning. This has both good and bad points. If you live in areas where Hurricanes frequent, then all too often we ignore the danger simply because we have 'weathered' many without incident. It's easy to become complacent just as easily as it is to go in full panic mode for newcomers. We have a responsibility to our families and our pets to make sure we are ready for natural disasters and in the case of our pets, they are the ones who usually suffer most. All too often they are forced to be left behind because there was no plan and many shelters for humans don't allow pets. We covered ways to be prepared for your pet earlier this year when talking about the hurricane's more unpredictable brother, the tornado. Remember that if you live near water, even if its only inland lakes, there can be the danger of waterspouts as well. Please take the time to check out the information below, especially the links provided, and keep everyone as safe as you can.
Unlike tornadoes, Hurricanes usually come with a good amount of warning. This has both good and bad points. If you live in areas where Hurricanes frequent, then all too often we ignore the danger simply because we have 'weathered' many without incident. It's easy to become complacent just as easily as it is to go in full panic mode for newcomers. We have a responsibility to our families and our pets to make sure we are ready for natural disasters and in the case of our pets, they are the ones who usually suffer most. All too often they are forced to be left behind because there was no plan and many shelters for humans don't allow pets. We covered ways to be prepared for your pet earlier this year when talking about the hurricane's more unpredictable brother, the tornado. Remember that if you live near water, even if its only inland lakes, there can be the danger of waterspouts as well. Please take the time to check out the information below, especially the links provided, and keep everyone as safe as you can.
Nature is beautiful and powerful to be sure.
Tornadoes are one of natures awesome and deadly displays and they can come in many forms. If you live somewhere in Tornado Alley, you probably grew up with plenty of safety tips and know the signs of imminent danger. While Tornadoes can be semi predicted, they can also come with little or no warning and can come in as fast as they go leaving mass destruction in their wake or a small disturbance that causes minimal damage to one structure. No matter how they come about, we should keep in mind that they can appear anywhere and in 2017, we are seeing more activity than we have in the past 9 years in the US. There are several websites that offer safety tips for people but many times pets are forgotten in these lists. Here are some basic tips to follow to help keep all of your family members safe.
Tornadoes are one of natures awesome and deadly displays and they can come in many forms. If you live somewhere in Tornado Alley, you probably grew up with plenty of safety tips and know the signs of imminent danger. While Tornadoes can be semi predicted, they can also come with little or no warning and can come in as fast as they go leaving mass destruction in their wake or a small disturbance that causes minimal damage to one structure. No matter how they come about, we should keep in mind that they can appear anywhere and in 2017, we are seeing more activity than we have in the past 9 years in the US. There are several websites that offer safety tips for people but many times pets are forgotten in these lists. Here are some basic tips to follow to help keep all of your family members safe.
Hold it right there - Let me see some ID
Pet Identification is still one the the most simple and overlooked issues that make lost pets hard to reunite with their owners. Nowadays there are so many ways to do so. From standard ID that has your basic contact information, GPS tags, and even ones you can scan with your phone, pet identification has come a long way. Tags are an easy way to help get your pet home, but it is always best to microchip your pet as well because tags and collars can come off, especially on cats.
Pet Identification is still one the the most simple and overlooked issues that make lost pets hard to reunite with their owners. Nowadays there are so many ways to do so. From standard ID that has your basic contact information, GPS tags, and even ones you can scan with your phone, pet identification has come a long way. Tags are an easy way to help get your pet home, but it is always best to microchip your pet as well because tags and collars can come off, especially on cats.
Where will you be when it all goes down
Disaster safety is something that is surprisingly, despite much encouragement throughout our lifetime from school to PSA's, something we don't practice or teach our families. Just like Fire - Flood, Hurricane, Earthquake, and Tornado (to name a few) safety should be taught and practiced. Who will grab the cat, dog, bunny, reptile, and/or rodent? Do you have a place picked out for your family and your pets to be safe in. During tornadoes, the safest places are usually windowless rooms, especially places that have heavy plumbing like the bathroom and of course, basements. Be sure to make a plan for emergencies and practice drill them so you can remain calm and stay safe.
Disaster safety is something that is surprisingly, despite much encouragement throughout our lifetime from school to PSA's, something we don't practice or teach our families. Just like Fire - Flood, Hurricane, Earthquake, and Tornado (to name a few) safety should be taught and practiced. Who will grab the cat, dog, bunny, reptile, and/or rodent? Do you have a place picked out for your family and your pets to be safe in. During tornadoes, the safest places are usually windowless rooms, especially places that have heavy plumbing like the bathroom and of course, basements. Be sure to make a plan for emergencies and practice drill them so you can remain calm and stay safe.
Terminology
If you live in places where threats normally occur, you may be well versed in hearing the terminology that comes with disasters that commonly affect your area. But are you really listening? Here are the basic Terminology used for storms and tornadoes. Get to know them and keep in mind, everyone believes it will never happens to them, until it does.
If you live in places where threats normally occur, you may be well versed in hearing the terminology that comes with disasters that commonly affect your area. But are you really listening? Here are the basic Terminology used for storms and tornadoes. Get to know them and keep in mind, everyone believes it will never happens to them, until it does.
- SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH: Conditions are right for the development of thunderstorms that may produce large hail or damaging winds. Go about your normal activities, but monitor broadcasts for updates and warnings.
- TORNADO WATCH: Conditions are favorable for the formation of thunderstorms capable of producing a tornado.
- SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING: A severe thunderstorm is occurring.
- TORNADO WARNING: A tornado has been spotted or has been detected by radar.
Aftermath
Seeing everything that has helped make us-us, having been taken in the blink of an eye, we want most to be reunited with our family and see them safe. That means our pets too. There are still many dangers after a storm. From downed power lines, broken glass, sharp wood and jutting concrete, there are also dangers that aren't as obvious. Displaced wild animals, gas leaks, unexpected flooded areas can have strong currents leading to storm drains or larger bodies of water and standing water can have hidden dangers such as hazardous objects, bacteria, and even raw sewage.
Seeing everything that has helped make us-us, having been taken in the blink of an eye, we want most to be reunited with our family and see them safe. That means our pets too. There are still many dangers after a storm. From downed power lines, broken glass, sharp wood and jutting concrete, there are also dangers that aren't as obvious. Displaced wild animals, gas leaks, unexpected flooded areas can have strong currents leading to storm drains or larger bodies of water and standing water can have hidden dangers such as hazardous objects, bacteria, and even raw sewage.
Preparedness
While nothing can fully prepare someone for what can happen after a natural disaster, we are not helpless. No matter where you live, nature has it's challenges whether it is a Tornado or Tons of Snow. Prepare by not only making a plan, but also have supplies in sturdy plastic totes. Non perishable food items, water, first aid kits, pet food(s) and supplies, blankets, pet crate or carriers, batteries, flashlight, and radio are just a few items to have on hand. Keep them in or near your safe zone and again, run disaster drills in your home. If you can, obtain a lockbox for your most important papers and copies of your pictures.
While nothing can fully prepare someone for what can happen after a natural disaster, we are not helpless. No matter where you live, nature has it's challenges whether it is a Tornado or Tons of Snow. Prepare by not only making a plan, but also have supplies in sturdy plastic totes. Non perishable food items, water, first aid kits, pet food(s) and supplies, blankets, pet crate or carriers, batteries, flashlight, and radio are just a few items to have on hand. Keep them in or near your safe zone and again, run disaster drills in your home. If you can, obtain a lockbox for your most important papers and copies of your pictures.
Educate - Don't Procrastinate
Most of us have heard the phrase 'Better to be Safe than Sorry'.
You don't have to be a Boys Scout to 'Be Prepared'.
Here are some websites that can help educate you and your loved ones about the best ways to handle a natural disaster before and after it occurs as well as the laws and rights of you and your pets.
https://weather.com/
https://emergency.cdc.gov/
https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready/make-a-plan
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness
https://www.cdc.gov/features/petsanddisasters/
http://www.wagnpetsafety.com/pdf/Pet_Parents_and_PETS_ACT_of_2006.pdf
Most of us have heard the phrase 'Better to be Safe than Sorry'.
You don't have to be a Boys Scout to 'Be Prepared'.
Here are some websites that can help educate you and your loved ones about the best ways to handle a natural disaster before and after it occurs as well as the laws and rights of you and your pets.
https://weather.com/
https://emergency.cdc.gov/
https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready/make-a-plan
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness
https://www.cdc.gov/features/petsanddisasters/
http://www.wagnpetsafety.com/pdf/Pet_Parents_and_PETS_ACT_of_2006.pdf
Below are some excellent Disaster Kit Checklists from the CDC and a generalized quick guide.
Click on them, Save, and/or Print them to get your kit together and keep your furry friends disaster ready!
