When we experience severe weather and natural disasters, we mainly concern ourselves with basic needs of ourselves and our pets. When it comes to our pets we worry about food, shelter, and with reptiles heat and uv is one of our major concerns.
But there is one thing that many people overlook that concerns all pets. Severe weather and natural disasters can effect water quality. If there is a boil water order in your area, make sure you take the same precautions recommended for children, elderly and those with compromised immune systems. Only give boiled or bottled waters for drinking and bathing pets during these times. Do not pets drink from puddles outside, the water could be contaminated. I live in a tornado and flood zone, and I've seen many pets get seriously sick and even die from contaminated water over the years.
My heart goes out to all those effected. Stay safe everyone. You'll be in my thoughts.
Good post. It's a great idea to have a big pack of bottled water stowed somewhere in case of emergency. My husband and I got a couple 24 packs or maybe larger for like $3 each at costco.
And just of note, it doesn't even necessarily even take a natural disaster or particularly severe weather - last year, in Jackson, MS (I live in one of the suburbs, and wasn't affected, fortunately), during a spate of particularly cold weather, a bunch of the main water pipes burst. Water was cut off for many people (most businesses downtown as well as schools shut down completely), and many more were under boil water alerts. This went on for about a week. No disaster, just frigid temperatures in a state that doesn't get them very often. Better safe than sorry - we usually keep a bottle or two of water in old milk bottles in the refrigerator, just in case.
As we go through spring, with its very up-and-down weather, this is a great reminder for people. Thanks!