It is important to prepare yourself for emergencies and disasters BEFORE they hit. Otherwise you will be caught up in the mad rush of other unprepared souls in long lines at the stores as the shelves rapidly empty. We've all seen it happen... stores are incredibly crowded, sold out or close, auto accidents happen as people are driving in a panic, Everyone tries to stock up on the same supplies all at the same time as hundreds of others who thought it wouldn't happen to them or that they would "just get supplies when it happens."
Having supplies and plans in place can give you a feeling of security and ease worry. If you know you are ready and able to care for yourself, even without power and/or a safe water supply, you can relax and calmly put your plans into action. If you are not prepared, you will have a lot of stress and worry if a disaster hits or state of emergency is declared.
The following links will take you to pages that explain how you can better prepare yourself (and the animals in your care) for an emergency or disaster.
Do you care for multiple animals? When you have more animals than you can safely transport by yourself, you'll need a special plan to be sure all animals are cared for if you need to evacuate within minutes (such as if a truck, plane, train, business or home meth lab has a chemical spill/explosion near your home. Some chemicals require evacuation of a mile or more from the site!)
Bonnie, Evelyn and Don prepare
for a trip to
Officials say it's not a matter of "if", but "when" a pandemic flu will hit. If you get sick and need to be hospitalized, do you have a plan for your animals? Do you have enough food and supplies to spend several weeks in your home without going in public? To learn more about what to expect and how to prepare yourself in advance, click this link:
Ohio Pandemic Flu information website: http://www.ohiopandemicflu.gov/
To learn more about weather emergencies and how you can prepare, visit:
Ohio Committee on Severe Weather Awareness and Preparedness:
http://www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/
As the winds blow on
And the waters rise deep
You can hear their cries
You can hear them weep
Those you have brought into your home
Those who are loyal, caring and warm.
You feed them each day, and tell them to stay
And now when they need you, don't turn them away.
When you vowed to love, when you vowed to care
You vowed to sacrifice, and vowed to prepare.
So now in times of trouble and strife
You are responsible for more than one life.
You need to plan, think, and prepare
For all those who need you
Those who depend on your care.
Cindy Swancott Lovern
