The spooky incident with my neighbor’s fire yesterday got me to thinking about emergency evacuation plans. Namely, how I don’t have one. Which was something I’d never really considered before. Have you?
Sure, I had thought about how to help Murph and the cats if I wasn’t there by posting an I.C.E sticker. But I’d never really considered what I’d do if I was there during the emergency.
For some, like my neighbor Cindy, the question isn’t a hypothetical one. She’s got real-life experience in two types of scenarios. One where the danger was imminent and another where it’s urgent but there’s time to get out.
When There’s Time to Get Out
If I think about it, a hurricane named Frances, not fire, did put me in Cindy’s shoes once. I had time to call Murph’s Aunt Karen for help. I also had time to wrangle Mr. Meow into his carrier.
However, I did have to unbury his carrier from the closet. That was a lesson I learned from when a tornado warning sent us all into the laundry room. I made sure to have the carriers right where I could get at them easily just in case the worst happened, any part of our house was blown off, and I needed to stow Tab and Mr. Meow away quickly. I also had Murph’s leash at the ready.
So I guess those are two good things to keep in mind:
* Store pet carriers and cages in easily accessible locations, just in case you’ll ever need them fast.
* If a situation arises where you might need them, gather necessary items, like leashes and carriers, in one central location so you’re not rushing around to find them if the emergency escalates and you’re forced to get out.
When There’s No Time to Get Out
This one I’ve never had experience with. (Knock on wood. I’ve about had my fill of catastrophes for the year, thank you very much.)
But I believe in this case you just have to do what you can as fast as you can. The goal is to get everyone out safe and sound by whatever means it takes to do that.
I keep thinking about Cindy losing that poor cat, though. Traumatic! I’d be devastated to lose either of mine like that, but I can see how it might happen because they’re both hiders as well.
I guess I would try Pounces (which usually have both cats running when they hear the bag) if there was that much time. But if there wasn’t, I’d hope and pray they’d understand the urgency in my pleas for them to come to me and do it.
Question to Readers
Can you think of any other suggestions for making an emergency pet evacuation go more smoothly?
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