Hurricane Evucation Question

[AfricanGreyEnthusiast]

Hurricane Evacuation Question

I wasn't exactly sure where to post this question, so if it's in the wrong area please feel free to move my post.

I currently live near Tampa FL, and we have had consistent rain nearly ever day for over a month. The reservoirs are nearly full, and now there is the possibility that hurricane Irma will hit us. My fiancee and I have been discussing evacuation plans, and our biggest issue is where to house our birds during the hurricane. Any suggestions? We have places to go but would have nowhere to house them on a temporary basis.

 

[SilverSage]

Re: Hurricane Evacuation Question

Sound like you need to get and prepare travel cages right away and make it clear the birds are part of your family and go wherever you go. Pack with them in mind and plan how you will keep them safe, calm, and still be respectful of those around you.

It would probably be wise for your family and flock to evacuate right away as a precaution and get farther away sooner, perhaps even have time to get to more understanding friends/relatives?


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[plumsmum2005]

Maybe a plea to any forum member that can help you out also? If there is anyone out of the danger zone that could help with your flock?

 

[SilverSage]

Re: Hurricane Evacuation Question

If I were not hospitalized at the moment I would be willing to offer my home; asking a forum member may sound crazy but we are all crazy around here.


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[plumsmum2005]

Surely we all love our birds here and if I could help out I would do as much as possible, * sorry that I am so far away. If you read this and can help struggling (forum) members find a refuge for their birds please shout out.

* even armed with a hammer and nails LOL

 

[Scott]

Hurricane Katrina was the turning point for humans and their hapless animals. The level of awareness has grown tremendously, and the majority of shelters, hotels, and other venues recognize the two forms of victims should not be separated.

I'd prepare as best possible with every intent of leaving, if necessary, with your animals. Prepare cage(s), food, water, cage changing materials, etc.

Hopefully will not be necessary!!

 

[Katu]

I hope all will be well with you, take care. I'm sorry you are facing this, and hope it diminishes or doesn't hit too hard.

 

[SailBoat]

Preparedness Planning Checklist for Parrots​

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Author: People for Emergency Preparedness for Animals​

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Provided by: SailBoat​

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Here are some suggested Parrot related items to have on-hand in case of an emergency in addition to the supplies set aside for Human use. Remember that you may have to adjust the quantities and types of items mentioned here for fit the requirements of your flock!

WATER: 1 to 2 quarts per day for larger Parrots, for drinking and bathing. A good rule of thumb: Keep track of how much water you give your Parrot each day, double that amount, and store a seven-day supply.

FOOD: Store a seven-day supply. Pelleted diets, dehydrated fruits and vegetables, pasta, grain, nuts, and other ‘dry’ foods should be kept in airtight containers. On a regular basis, rotate the emergency food into the daily food supply and store fresh food in the emergency containers. Do not assume that there will be cooking facilities for special foods.

SPRAY (MISTING) BOTTLE: Provides cleaning and misting of your Parrot.

FOOD AND WATER DISHES: Target non-breakable and easily cleaned.

GARBAGE BAGS, PAPER TOWELS, AND BIRD-SAFE DISINFECTANT: For General cage and carrier cleaning. Nolvasan or 1:20 bleach to water solution can be used for emergency disinfectants, though the Parrots should not ingest the bleach solution. Also, a container of Dawn Liquid Soap (original formula).

PORTABLE CAGES OR CARRIERS: Collapsible models are commercially available, as are airline kennels. Special cardboard carriers may be available form some Veterinarians or Pet Supply stores. Write your name and address on the carrier using an indelible marker, or on a tag attached to the carrier of cage.


The three piece, plastic 'cat carrier' is one of the most common transport carriers for use with Parrots. Size based on your Parrot and upgrade with a perch!


CAGE COVERS: Old sheets or large towels work best. Blankets may be more appropriate for cold weather emergencies. Even if you do not normally cover your parrot at night, an emergency cove is a good idea because in the shelter other birds and animals may be visible to your Parrot, adding stress to an already upsetting environment.

TOWELS: For restraining Parrots for handling, examinations, or treatment, many individuals prefer having their parrot held in a towel from home, rather than one that was already used on another bird.

NEWSPAPER: The Parrot owner’s friend or other bird-safe, easily disposable cage/carrier lining.

CAGE TOYS: Select something familiar from the regular cage rotation, or similar to normal cage toys. This can help ease the turmoil of evacuation or special sheltering conditions.

MEDICINES: Keep all pet medicines in one location at home, preferably in a waterproof container that can be grabbed on the run. Store special instructions for administering medications and any other important medical history with the medicine, or with the identification documentation.

AVIAN FIRST AID KIT: This can be the general kit for use at home, or preferably, and emergency kit stored with the other emergency supplies.


See the last page of the "I Love Amazons - ..." Thread in the Amazon Forum near the top. You will find a detailed list of a complete Emergency First Aid Kit for Parrots.


PARROT IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTATION: Ideally, have two photographs of each Parrot; you keep one, the other goes with the Parrot. You can write important information on the back of each photo, such as your name, phone number; address; a description of the Parrot; the name of the Parrot; Microchip ID (your only legal means of identification of your Parrot in most States); Tattoo ID number (once a common method of identification); pet insurance policy number; leg band numbers; and any other information which links your Parrot to you.

BABY PARROT SUPPLIES: If you have breeding pairs of Parrots, plan for baby Parrot emergency supplies as well. Store and periodically rotate a supply of hand feeding formula. Also store a supply of syringes, spoons, pipettes, or whatever is used to feed your babies. Set aside some type of portable, durable emergency brooder for the babies, such as 2-1/2 gallon buckets or plastic containers. Also, consider a heat source for the babies: a third alternative is a chemical ‘Heat Pack,’ which can be stored until needed.

Permission by the Author has been obtained to provide this article.

 

[SailBoat]

Evacuating with Your Pets Requires Planning!​

SailBoat 2017​

The cold hard fact about any evacuation is that the local Authorities are rarely acting from a practices plan and the people being evacuated are acting without any plan, practiced or otherwise. Having just a basic plan and the necessities pre-packed will get you out and away from the area with your pets, ahead of or during the very early stages of an evacuation. By simply bring together (in many cases) things that most homes already have into one pre-bagged kit. You will have the time to move in front or ahead of an evacuation, and even more importantly, with your pets. During or prior to the early stages of the evacuation, the Authorities have not set-up check or move points and will not be as vigilant in forcing you to leave your pets behind. In addition, by pre-packing, you will have the space and equipment to cover (hide) your pets.

I came to believe in the need to prepare and pre-pack not because I have lived through an evacuation or been part of any radical social/political fringe group, but the very basic WANT to take my Amazon with me!

Please take fifteen minutes to look over what you would need to bring together just to move ‘one’ parrot. The more pets you have, the more planning and preparation required. This simple overview should very quickly open you eyes to the amount of time needed to make this happen. Now, add the time for your own care essentials and any priority property that you will want to take, and the amount of time needed to prepare and move becomes not minutes, but hours. Remember, Government Support Services will not be in place for as long as three to five days and that could easily be on the short side. Those who have lived through the Hurricane events of 2005 and the Tornados of 2011 will tell you that one should be able to self-support for up to two weeks!

Back to the cold hard facts: Most Authorities are at least aware of this time element and this among other things results in the order to abandon your pets. At the point that an evacuation becomes fully in force and Human Life is now at stake (a Clear and Present Danger is declared), being forced to leave behind your pets becomes more likely, even after the suffering of pets resulting from Hurricane Katrina and now Harvey. When, not if, another large area evacuation of medium to large scale occurs in the United States, during the last day(s) and hours prior to, during and after, the Authorities will stop the evacuation of pets. Its just comes down to numbers and the need to increase the flow! More importantly, small, local evacuations, commonly limited to an area less than a couple of square miles tend to be “immediate” evacuations in which you will have seconds, not minutes to evacuate.

The choice of whether or not we will allow our pets to be left behind is clearly in our hands. Prepare to move them ‘in advance’ or face the reality of having to leave them behind. You simply plan and prepare or you sit broken hearted in an evacuation center with hundreds, if not thousands of other people without your beloved pet(s)! This is the reality that inspired me to plan and pre-pack!

By leaving ahead or during the early stages allows you many choices of possible escape routes. By planning in advance you can avoid expressways and major highways. Remember that many roads may be blocked/closed or congested to a standstill, gas stations and grocery stores maybe be sold-out and they may not be able to get supplies for one or more weeks. During an evacuation, you must take the position of depending on no one other than yourself.

Sources: Jane Germain and Carol Mills (both having lived through California / Florida Evacuations), Fight Back, by G. Gordon Liddy and Douglas S. Ritter’s Equipped to Survive Website at: www.equipped.com

As a point of interest, The Boy Scots of America stores have nearly everything you will need to develop as survival kit for an individual or family. All you will need to do is add clothing, blankets, food, water and specific items for your needs and that of your pets.

 

[SailBoat]

Re: Hurricane Evacuation Question

I wasn't exactly sure where to post this question, so if it's in the wrong area please feel free to move my post.

I currently live near Tampa FL, and we have had consistent rain nearly ever day for over a month. The reservoirs are nearly full, and now there is the possibility that hurricane Irma will hit us. My fiancee and I have been discussing evacuation plans, and our biggest issue is where to house our birds during the hurricane. Any suggestions? We have places to go but would have nowhere to house them on a temporary basis.

Having 'Pets' has the same level of responsibility as having children. From the moment you bring them home and forever more, 24 / 7 / 365 you are responsible and you plan everything around your ability to take them with i.e. when you have to evacuation! Its just the way life is now and forever more! So, find places that 'all' of you can go and be safe!!!

 

[Sandy19]

I'm in Ormond Beach, Fl. I'm going to make boarding reservations for the three dogs at a kennel that is about ten miles inland and not in a flood zone so they should be ok if it hits here. Now I have the bird and two rabbits also. There is a pet shop that will board the rabbits and bird and it's also not in a flood zone either. So I would think about boarding the birds somewhere that's not expected to be hit hard. Either that or make plans on taking them with you. There are some pet friendly hotels that will allow birds.

I'm going to call around because I could probably just take our Senegal with us if we have to leave, but she's small and doesn't make much noise. I imagine it will be harder with more than one bird. That's why I'm boarding the dogs, I don't know where I'd go with three large breed dogs.

 

[BeatriceC]

Residence Inn by Marriott is very pet friendly and has never had an issue with my flock. I have a list of locations in evacuation distance from me so I can move quickly if I need to.

 

[SailBoat]

Not hearing back from the OP does concern me some. But no where even near the changes of increased strength of the in coming Strong Storm south and east of Florida!!! At a level '5' this is one strong storm and everyone in the south half of Florida needs to be preparing and making plans to move to a very safe location.

For our Friends and members in Florida and then up the eastern coastline of the US, PLEASE begin to plan and prepare for the worst. Doing so now will save lives!

Please review the above Posts and take them deeply to heart!

 

[LordTriggs]

IMO for places prone to storms such as Florida ETC always have an evac plan in place. People with pets should be the first to go. The second they say Cat 5 you should be in the car heading out of the state for an impromptu break

 

[BeatriceC]

IMO for places prone to storms such as Florida ETC always have an evac plan in place. People with pets should be the first to go. The second they say Cat 5 you should be in the car heading out of the state for an impromptu break

I agree that having a plan in place is a good thing, but panicking isn't very good either. Yes, Irma is now a category 5, however, it is far too early to have any reasonable clue where in the US it's going to effect. Right now it's "most likely" South Florida, but there are models that show it slipping between Cuba and Key West and hitting the Gulf, then slamming TX and LA again, and other models that show it making a u-turn and petering out in the Northern Atlantic, as well as hitting various places between Key West and the Carolinas. Right now is the time to make sure you have prescriptions filled, check out your hurricane shutters to make sure they're still in good condition and you can locate all the hardware, inspect your property for flying debris risks, make sure your emergency supplies are up to date, and keep your vehicles topped off and have a "go bag" packed and ready to go should you be in an evacuation zone once Irma's path is more certain. It's impossible to actually evacuate any large urban US area. As Houston saw during Rita, unnecessary evacuations can actually kill people. Half of the deaths in that storm were people trapped in traffic on the roads when the storm hit. The OP is doing fine asking questions and getting prepared to evacuate should it become necessary.

Also, before anybody says I don't know what it's like, I grew up in Miami. I survived Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and lived in Homestead, which was where the eyewall went through and sustained the most severe damage. I was also in Homestead in 2005 when Katrina, Rita, and Wilma all hit within 6 weeks of each other, plus all the tropical storms and smaller hurricanes between my birth in 1975 and when I moved away permanently in 2013 (with only about 5 years total of living in other places before then, no more than 2 years at a time).

 

[LordTriggs]

IMO for places prone to storms such as Florida ETC always have an evac plan in place. People with pets should be the first to go. The second they say Cat 5 you should be in the car heading out of the state for an impromptu break

I agree that having a plan in place is a good thing, but panicking isn't very good either. Yes, Irma is now a category 5, however, it is far too early to have any reasonable clue where in the US it's going to effect. Right now it's "most likely" South Florida, but there are models that show it slipping between Cuba and Key West and hitting the Gulf, then slamming TX and LA again, and other models that show it making a u-turn and petering out in the Northern Atlantic, as well as hitting various places between Key West and the Carolinas. Right now is the time to make sure you have prescriptions filled, check out your hurricane shutters to make sure they're still in good condition and you can locate all the hardware, inspect your property for flying debris risks, make sure your emergency supplies are up to date, and keep your vehicles topped off and have a "go bag" packed and ready to go should you be in an evacuation zone once Irma's path is more certain. It's impossible to actually evacuate any large urban US area. As Houston saw during Rita, unnecessary evacuations can actually kill people. Half of the deaths in that storm were people trapped in traffic on the roads when the storm hit. The OP is doing fine asking questions and getting prepared to evacuate should it become necessary.

Also, before anybody says I don't know what it's like, I grew up in Miami. I survived Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and lived in Homestead, which was where the eyewall went through and sustained the most severe damage. I was also in Homestead in 2005 when Katrina, Rita, and Wilma all hit within 6 weeks of each other, plus all the tropical storms and smaller hurricanes between my birth in 1975 and when I moved away permanently in 2013 (with only about 5 years total of living in other places before then, no more than 2 years at a time).

good points here. I've never dealt with storms like this. Worst I've known is more likely a light shower compared to what the more extremes deal with. Also I'm super paranoid as a person so there's that. I think going before the majority is the best way though, getting to the point where the sirens are blaring and the news is telling you to get out shouldn't be done when you have pets though

 

[Scott]

There's actually a sixth adjective, but I'll leave that out! The 24/7/365 news cycle conjures every imaginable threat to your TV, smartphone, tablet, etc. Easy to get overwhelmed, particularly living in areas prone to natural disasters. Anticipating likely situations and having a plan greatly reduces anxiety. When trouble strikes, best to focus on the immediate logistics rather than contemplating the basics.

I live in earthquake and fire country, so having an escape plan for two different emergencies is reality. Fire is more likely, so the ability to be mobile with all pets is critical. Cages, food, water, treats, are pre-provisioned. I've done it once; when reality hits you don't want to be scrambling for the basics. Networking with friends and others who have been through similar is enormously helpful. (like right here!!)

 

[SailBoat]

IMO for places prone to storms such as Florida ETC always have an evac plan in place. People with pets should be the first to go. The second they say Cat 5 you should be in the car heading out of the state for an impromptu break

I agree that having a plan in place is a good thing, but panicking isn't very good either. Yes, Irma is now a category 5, however, it is far too early to have any reasonable clue where in the US it's going to effect. Right now it's "most likely" South Florida, but there are models that show it slipping between Cuba and Key West and hitting the Gulf, then slamming TX and LA again, and other models that show it making a u-turn and petering out in the Northern Atlantic, as well as hitting various places between Key West and the Carolinas. Right now is the time to make sure you have prescriptions filled, check out your hurricane shutters to make sure they're still in good condition and you can locate all the hardware, inspect your property for flying debris risks, make sure your emergency supplies are up to date, and keep your vehicles topped off and have a "go bag" packed and ready to go should you be in an evacuation zone once Irma's path is more certain. It's impossible to actually evacuate any large urban US area. As Houston saw during Rita, unnecessary evacuations can actually kill people. Half of the deaths in that storm were people trapped in traffic on the roads when the storm hit. The OP is doing fine asking questions and getting prepared to evacuate should it become necessary.

Also, before anybody says I don't know what it's like, I grew up in Miami. I survived Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and lived in Homestead, which was where the eyewall went through and sustained the most severe damage. I was also in Homestead in 2005 when Katrina, Rita, and Wilma all hit within 6 weeks of each other, plus all the tropical storms and smaller hurricanes between my birth in 1975 and when I moved away permanently in 2013 (with only about 5 years total of living in other places before then, no more than 2 years at a time).

I, in no way disagree with your evaluation of the Storms Path nor the considerations of whether to evacuate or stay. As you so well covered, at this point, it is very important to prepare and be ready to act, when the path becomes more stable. That said, the cold front pouring out of the Northwest will be the steering current that will either cause the Storm to move West into the Gulf or North and East depending on the timing of both the Storm and the Cold Front!.

Either way, those in Southern Florida need to be prepared and ready to move if needed. The water temperatures in front of this Storm are very warm and will only serve to maintain or increase the strength of this Storm.

FYI: This Storm was predicted by weatherbell.com early last week. Its a payed access site, so access is very limited.

Be Safe Good Friends!

 

[AfricanGreyEnthusiast]

Sorry that I haven't had a chance to respond. We decided to rent a car since we couldn't fit all of the traveler cages in my mini cooper. We don't, however, have an adequate cage for more than the trip. We will be staying momentarily near Cincinnati then heading up to Fort Wayne IN if we can't return home for awhile. I'm going to try to see if there is a rescue anywhere that has a few spare cages to house them in temporarily. We plan to leave Thursday or Friday and will be watching carefully. We still don't know what Irma is going to do, but we want to beat the crowd if there is a mass exodus. At this point, we just want to find at least temporary cages or ideas on where to reasonably keep them before they chew through the plastic ones.

 

[SailBoat]

Sorry that I haven't had a chance to respond. We decided to rent a car since we couldn't fit all of the traveler cages in my mini cooper. We don't, however, have an adequate cage for more than the trip. We will be staying momentarily near Cincinnati then heading up to Fort Wayne IN if we can't return home for awhile. I'm going to try to see if there is a rescue anywhere that has a few spare cages to house them in temporarily. We plan to leave Thursday or Friday and will be watching carefully. We still don't know what Irma is going to do, but we want to beat the crowd if there is a mass exodus. At this point, we just want to find at least temporary cages or ideas on where to reasonably keep them before they chew through the plastic ones.

Portable Dog Cages that set-up quickly and fold-down flat just as quickly is a great cage short-term cage. Since they lay flat when folded down, you can load on top of them.

Mini Coopers - fun, fast and love twisty roads, but carry little more than an afternoon lunch.

FYI: If you need to travel further in land, consider 65 in place of 75.