Sally E. Bahner photo
Tekla (left) and Mollie check out storm supplies.
Ahead of Hurricane Harvey, and subsequently Hurricane Irma, (and now there’s Jose and maybe Maria), I mentally checked off what I needed to do to evacuate with my two cats. Much of their stuff is in the family room, so that’s where I started.
Two large carriers with comfy blankets at the ready. Check.
Two large carriers with comfy blankets at the ready. Check.
A clean unused litter box and litter. Check.
Harnesses and leashes. Check.
Canned food – need to restock that and get some freeze-dried as well.
Water. Must refill some of jugs that have been sitting around.
Dishes, papergoods, and plastic forks and spoons. There’s a large Rubbermaid container with some of that – I need to add the water dishes, plastic bags for used litter and a litter scoop, a roll of paper towels, a small container of dish detergent, and a couple of large trash bags,
Branford P.D.
The cats’ records are in folders on my desk and photos are on my camera and laptop, which I would be sure to grab.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has created Emergency Supply Cards with information to identify your pet, and that should be filled out.
How quickly could I complete the preparations, plus those for my husband and me? Given the frantic state of mind that would accompany such an order, I don’t know.
Go Away José!
This far this season, we’ve been lucky. José is chugging along in the Atlantic and a tropical storm watch was issued for the Connecticut shoreline last night. Its impact may occur this week in the form of rip currents and surges, according to the Weather Channel, and possible No’easter conditions. It’s expected to stall south of Nova Scotia and east of New England. Boaters are being warned to secure their boats. Rain is expected from Tuesday through Friday.
WTNH News 8 Meteorologist Gil Simmons, who returns to News 8 Monday, said yesterday afternoon that the “New European model run has Wednesday power outages in Connecticut all over it. Not just shoreline either. 50+mph gusts.”
Police Capt. Raymond Dunbar, who in past storms has served as the director of the emergency management center for the Police Department, has provided a comprehensive list of recommendations for storm preparedness.
After so many people refused to leave their pets behind when ordered to evacuate during Hurricane Katrina, there is now a big emphasis on including pets in storm preparations . During Superstorm Sandy in 2012, Mary T. Murphy School was designated as a pet-friendly shelter.
Family Go Kit
Here are some of the basics to include in your family go kit.
1. Flashlight and plenty of extra batteries or emergency crank-rechargeable battery lights.
2. Portable, battery-operated (and extra batteries) or an emergency radio with crank-rechargeable
3. First-aid kit and manual.
4. Supply of nonperishable food and water for 72 hours.
5. Manual can/bottle opener and spoon.
6. Essential medications.
7. Important family documents and veterinary records.
8. Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear for each family member.
9. Animal evacuation kit.
Also included are download PDFs with information on animal evacuation and pet friendly hotels (Red Cross shelters will only accept service dogs), Branford’s emergency operation plan, safety information for operating generators, a general emergency preparedness guide, a more extensive list of pet preparations, FEMA information, guidelines for preparing large animals, including horses, and more.
With any luck, we’ll be spared this season. But you never know.
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