Emergency Planning for Your Home & Pet

Mastering Your Domain in a Weather Emergency

Life throws curveballs, and sometimes those curveballs come in the form of extreme temperatures, earthquakes, and, recently, over 12 confirmed tornadoes in Northern Illinois and Northwest Indiana! While we can’t control these events, we can control how we prepare for them. As many of us learned during this week’s inclement weather in and around Chicago, emergency planning for your home & pet can make a world of difference during a crisis, especially when we share our lives with children and pets who count on us to respond to severe weather threats.

Knowing Your Utilities

• Location, Location, Location: Familiarize yourself with the location of your main gas valve, water shut-off valve, and electrical breaker panel. Knowing how to shut these off quickly in case of a leak or damage is critical in an emergency.
• Labeling is Key: Clearly label shut-off points with bright signs or paint. The last thing you want during an emergency is to fumble for the right breaker or valve in the dark.
• Practice Makes Preparation: Walk through the process of shutting off each utility with your family. This ensures everyone knows where to find the shut-off points and how to use them.

Securing Large Items

• Heavy Hitters: Identify large items in your home that could topple over during an earthquake or strong winds. Think bookcases, TVs, and water heaters.
• Anchors Away: Secure heavy items and furniture to wall studs using earthquake straps or heavy-duty L-brackets.
• Appliance Awareness: Don’t forget about appliances! Secure your refrigerator and washing machine to the wall – preventing them from shifting and causing damage.
• Secure the Kitchen: Cabinets with heavy contents like dishes or cleaning supplies can also pose a threat. Consider installing childproof locks or latches to keep cabinets closed during an emergency.

Shoring Up Doors and Windows

• Seal Away: There’s a myth that cracking open windows or doors can help relieve air pressure during high winds and prevent damage. According to experts, this is not accurate and could have the opposite effect, allowing pressure to build inside the building. Closing and locking your doors and windows will allow the seals to do their job, reducing damage to your roof, walls, and interior.
• Patch Up & Fix: When you notice damages to your window and door seals, proactively fix them. That way, your seals work well when needed. This also applies to caulking and patching around windows and door frames.
• Outdoor Furniture & More: Minimize the risk of doors or windows being shattered by flying debris by getting rid of and securing potential projectiles around your property. Tie-down outdoor furniture, trim your trees regularly, and clear up loose foliage, branches, and other yard debris and decor.

Preparing for Power Outages

• Light the Way: Stock up on flashlights and battery-powered lanterns. Don’t forget extra batteries!
• Staying Warm (or Cool): Consider alternative heating or cooling options. A small camp stove can provide warmth for cooking during a winter outage, while battery-powered fans can offer some relief during a summer blackout.
• Stay Informed: Invest in a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated on weather alerts and emergency information. A portable phone charger can also be a lifesaver to keep your devices operational.
• Prioritize Communication: Invest in a portable power bank or portable generator. The ability to charge your phone and other devices will ensure that you can remain connected with loved ones in and outside the area during extended power outages. And, having charged devices will also make the wait more pleasant.

Planning for Your Pet

Create an emergency preparedness kit including essential supplies like bottled water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and sanitation items for all members of the family – pets too! The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters has created an emergency planning guide for pet parents. You can find it here.

Keep in mind that if your pet eats refrigerated or frozen food, you will need to invest in shelf-stable options like canned or freeze-dried foods to keep in your emergency kit. And, don’t forget to count them in your water stash.

A little planning goes a long way. By taking strategic steps, you can take your home from a vulnerable space to a secure haven. Stay safe, be prepared, and be the master of your domain during a weather emergency.

If you are new to Floofins & Co. and interested in our dog walking, pet sitting, dog training, or pet photography services, please fill out our contact form. Once received, we will be in touch to further discuss your interest. You may also give us a call at 630-478-8915 or drop us a line at info@floofinsandco.com. We are happy to discuss our services from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Learn more about our in-home pet care new client onboarding process here.