EMERGENCY READINESS PLANS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOGS

By Thursday, September 1, 2016 26 No tags Permalink

You’ve just found out there’s a hurricane headed your way. What emergency readiness plans for you and your dogs have you put in place?…

EMERGENCY READINESS PLANS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOGS

This is what the meteorologist said this morning –

Hermine becomes a hurricane

This was in our local newspaper this afternoon…

EMERGENCY READINESS PLANS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOGS

HAVING FLASHBACKS –

Almost one month to the day (October 5, 2015) I wrote about being a Dog Walking Video Vixen during Hurricane Joaquin.

There I was –  living in Charleston not even a month with a puppy. Postponing potty breaks was not an option. #gottagonow

We were the only two creatures outside. He was the only creature playing in the flooded streets…

EMERGENCY READINESS PLANS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOGS

Even though our electricity remained on and there was no damage to the home, I realized the importance of being prepared during hurricane season.

HERE’S WHAT I’VE LEARNED –

When official notification becomes public you should revisit your evacuation plan.

The Low Country is under a tropical storm warning as Hermine is expected to pass directly over the Charleston area Friday, according to the latest forecast track. The storm is now expected to be a hurricane at landfalll on the Florida panhandle in the early hours Friday. Source: the Post and Courier

This mornings news triggered me to make sure I had what I needed for the Boys.

MY BASIC DISASTER KIT –

  • Supplies*Slip leashes and collars, medication (to include heart worm and flea protection), poop bags, and treats are all in one area along with travel bags. I can literally go in there and come out with everything I need. *I use slip leashes because a frightened dog can slip out of a collar. But I also use a collar for identification purposes.
  • Food, Bowls & WaterEven though I’m expecting a shipment of food any day now, I am a little low.  I cannot depend or rely on the UPS man. A trip to the pet store was first on my list

EMERGENCY READINESS PLANS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOGS

  • Pet CarriersI don’t use pet carriers, but I make sure I’ve got car harnesses, travel beds and blankets – rolled up and ready to go.
  • Current PhotosGood to have something that provides a current photo, description, and pertinent information about your pet. Seriously thinking of creating something like this and filling it with information to keep with my disaster kit #diydoodlemom….

EMERGENCY READINESS PLANS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOGS

OTHER USEFUL ITEMS –

These items were NOT on my list, but they should will be –

  • Paper towelsalways comes in handy
  • Plastic trash bagsgotta have a place for the used paper towels right?
  • Grooming itemshow could I have forgotten grooming items #geez
  • BleachI guess a small spray bottle makes sense 

Source: The Humane Society

IN THE EVENT OF EVACUATION –

My plan is to head North. I’m going to relatives. But if that’s NOT possible – here’s a list of websites to help me locate pet friendly places –

And it goes without saying, please try to stay as calm as possible –

Whether you leave early, choose to stay, or are required to evacuate due to the storm’s severity or due to house damage, remember to stay calm. Your pet can sense your emotions, so a calming demeanor can lead to a less-panicked pet. Oh, and don’t forget to speak to your pet in a calm, soothing voice, too. Source: Pet Med

Right now – we’ve been bumped up to a “tropical storm warning” with 55 mph winds scheduled to arrive around Friday afternoon.

For all our friends in and around Hurricane Hermine’s path – be safe and stay indoors. If you have pets, and your expecting dangerous weather, please gather what you need and pre-position it BEFORE the weather gets bad.

Doodle Dad, the Boys and I plan to bunker down and remain home, unless otherwise instructed.

ONE MORE THING –

Yes, I have wine 🙂

EMERGENCY READINESS PLANS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOGS

Safety First – Great Holiday Weekend Second… 

26 Comments
  • Tenacious Little Terrier
    September 2, 2016

    I need to be better about stocking more emergency food for Mr. N. He eats raw which is NOT practical to haul. I try to keep some freeze-dried around but sometimes we use it up on trips.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 2, 2016

      You could get a small box of dehydrated which would work well with or without meat (raw or cooked).

  • Emma
    September 2, 2016

    Hope the storm doesn’t get too bad in your area. A disaster plan is always a good idea! We have tornadoes, but with those you sometimes get very little or no warning and they often happen when we are sleeping. Scary stuff.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 2, 2016

      Tornadoes are super scary. We used to live Kansas. Our military quarters came with a tornado shelter and everything! They still frighten me a bit. Tell your Mom to put your disaster kit together and leave it under the bed. It’s always god to be prepared! Have a great weekend Emma!

  • Tiffany Bennett Cuartero
    September 2, 2016

    Looks like you are ranger ready. Stay safe!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 2, 2016

      Living with Doodle Dad, you’d better believe it! I don’t think it’s going to be that bad. Just a lot of wind and rain. Their predicting a beautiful day on Saturday – so it can’t be but so bad. Paws crossed!

  • All Things Collie
    September 2, 2016

    We have been hit by hurricanes in recent years, and our town suffered a lot of damage. In fact, 5 years ago we were still recovering from a hurricane, and taking care of newborn puppies! That story is here if you want to read it:
    http://collie222.blogspot.com/2012/08/happy-1st-bithday.html?m=1

    One important thing we have learned, keep extra dog food, flashlights, candles, water and food on hand. You never know when a hurricane, or other disaster will occur!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 2, 2016

      That’s the exact reason I went to the store yesterday to grab another 10 lb box of their food. I was getting low, and even though I’ve got 20 lbs coming, I didn’t want to risk it. I feel so much better knowing I’ve got everything I need (I think) for them.

  • Two French Bulldogs
    September 2, 2016

    You to stay safe from all those hurry canes
    Lily & Edward

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 2, 2016

      We will certainly do our Doodle best!

  • Lindsay
    September 2, 2016

    When in doubt, head to Canada. 😉

    The pictures of the boys and their ponchos is priceless, as with the dolphin photo. He must’ve been a marine creature in a previous life time.

    Great post as I’ve been thinking about disaster preparedness since the bad fires out west.

    Enjoy the long weekend love. xoxo!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 2, 2016

      My nephew is in Canada, he plays for the Montreal Alouettes! I always know I’ve got my two children in VA so that’s where we would drive to. I agree, Jaxson is definitely part sea creature. This morning in all the wind and rain, he’s doing his Gene Kelly routine – playing in all the puddles. He is definitely a character. Yes – get your disaster kit together girlfriend, you’ll feel better when you do! Happy Labor Day – do something fun. XOXO

  • Lindsay
    September 2, 2016

    Stay safe!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 2, 2016

      We’re trying. So far (although it’s early) we’ve had some really strong down pours and a few wind moments. According to the weather people – we should be getting started for the worst of it a little after 6pm. I got caught in it this morning on our walk. I chose to feed them early this evening, and we’ve already walked after dinner in a light mist, so we’re done. If it’s not raining hard this evening I will let them run out for a tinkle. I think we’ll be fine, just a lot of wind and rain. Have a great weekend my friend!

  • Pedro & Alessandra
    September 2, 2016

    As we watch the news this evening, we’re happy to see you’re prepared but we think of you and all our friends in the Eastern seaboard and hope that all be well. Stay safe! Loving paws!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 2, 2016

      For us here in Charleston – looks like it’s just a little lighter than what they predicted – which is a good thing. I understand there’s a large population of people w/o electricity, but they feel as if this should be rectified shortly. My prayer is that as Hermine moves North it weakens and goes out to sea never having an opportunity to do much damage. Paws crossed!

  • Callie, Shadow, and Ducky's Mom
    September 3, 2016

    Glad you’re all safe!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 3, 2016

      Thanks so much – today was a beautiful day – 82 degrees, no humidity, and gorgeous bright skies. I pray the storm goes out to sea.

  • JeanneP of bichonpawz
    September 4, 2016

    What a great list!! Very, very informative post…thank you for sharing! Hope y’all are safe and somewhat dry!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 4, 2016

      Hi JeanneP – we’re safe and dry. As a matter of fact we had gorgeous Saturday here – bright blue skies, soft breeze and no humidity. Still praying and keeping positive thoughts for all those still waiting for the storm up north. Take care!

  • Monika & Sam
    September 4, 2016

    Pawesome disaster kit, especially with the last item for the mom. 😉

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 4, 2016

      Gotta keep the Mom sane Monika! Have a happy holiday Monday!

  • Shannon Adams
    September 5, 2016

    Very helpful post! I’m so thankful you guys are ok! I love the #dolphindoodle 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 5, 2016

      #Dolphindoodle is a trip! He’s so comical – I love his energy..

  • Jan K
    September 10, 2016

    You’re a woman after my own heart….gotta have the wine! Glad for you that the hurricane didn’t turn out so bad after all.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 12, 2016

      The hurricane was a piece cake (in our area) and the wine was wonderful 🙂