Does anyone keep an evacuation bag ready?
I've been watching coverage of the extensive and devastating flooding in parts of Alberta, the likes of which Canada seldom sees.
And that's had me wondering what I'd do if something happened here (not likely a flood of that magnitude, but other disasters are possible) and I had only 10 or 15 minutes to get out.
With that in mind, I dug out my largest knapsack (will carry a laptop) and have put in 24 cans of cat food, a few other cat supplies, some basic first aid supplies, two litres of water, a few pairs of undies and socks, toiletries.
And that's all I can heft onto my back. It's heavy.
I still have a few other things to add, like dry cat food, copies of important documents, etc, and a change of clothes, but my thought of actually taking my laptop has been nixed. As is the idea of somehow carrying a litter box and a bit of litter. I'd have more than I could easily manage just with that backpack and two cat carriers.
I'm curious to know if anyone reading this keeps an evacuation bag handy. Especially if in the same situation I am, without a vehicle or nearby family to call.
I hope to high heaven I'm never in that kind of emergency situation. I did go through the Ice Storm of '98, but it was just me and my ex, no pets to worry about. We had a car then, but of course the streets were impassable, with downed power lines and trees, ice everywhere, so no one could drive anyway. And we didn't have to evacuate. We spent the first night in the apartment (no power, January, Canada--think about it), then went to friends, and then the in-laws of the friends, when they in turn lost power.
But how I'd manage now, on my own and with the boys, is too scary to think about.
***
With regard to comments about yesterday's post:
Now that everyone campus-wide knows, I'll say that my boss's boss is/was female. Very strong-willed. And I have to wonder if she was booted out of the good old boys' club because she wouldn't tow the line or kiss ass. Maybe she stepped over the line with her boss and wouldn't back down on an issue. I don't know, anything is possible. BTW, I heard via the grape vine that they won't even be filling her top-level position. That is interesting. Maybe they never had any intention of making it long term.
None of us can believe it would be something unethical or criminal, and later in the day yesterday, after I had posted here, I found out that someone in our suite happened to look out the front window at the time our unit was in lock up (so to speak) and saw her leaving the building, moving faster than she would normally move. So I don't think with a security detail in tow, but I imagine they would have been there just the same.
If it was nothing she has done, I hope she sues their asses off. Or at least gets a hefty buy-out. Just saying.
In my garden
Comments
When it was story two nights ago I made sure that I had a torch next to my be, my spare clothes and jacket ready and Miss popps was nice and close.
A good idea is to keep a spare copy of documents either at work or with one of your parents, then you don't need to carry them with you.
I try not to worry to much about it all though.
Julie and Poppy Q
xxx
When bad storms are predicted I always put my "go away" bag by the door down to the basement. Have my billfold, checkbook, prescriptions, good jewelry and good sturdy shoes all there ready to be grabbed on my way down the stairs.
I figure it couldn't hurt.
Our air quality has gone way down (due to fires in a neighboring country) and there is no way of escaping it unless I have a private plane that can take me, say to a certain Canadian home with 2 handsome mancats in a fenced up yard. Heeheehee.
http://photoblog.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/06/21/19072023-cat-and-owner-swim-for-their-lives-in-canada-flood?lite
Poor guy and kitty just swam for their lives! So I really think having a plan of some sort is in order for pets and people for such disasters. I think what you have in your emergency pack is a GOOD THING! Best to always plan ahead - plan an escape route - have plans a/b/c! Blimey!
As for the wildlife and other livestock... that's why I cannot support ENOUGH the work that the RSPCA and organizations such as the RSPCA do cos they're the ones who do think of other creatures even if what they do doesn't get to the news.
As for your head boss's manner of exit - gets more intriguing! Yikes!
Take care
x
Have you considered buying one of those (for lack of a better term) rolling upright (sorta looks like a golfing bag) carts? I have one that is ultra lightweight but it holds lots of things and since its on wheels a great deal easier to move. Didn't pay that much for it, had it a long time.
And yes with hurricane season we went out and got all the kitties supplies. We won't use them until after Nov 30th, but we felt better having extra stuff on hand for them.
But this would be perfect, and it sure would make it easier to haul things around. Plus it's cheaper to buy a new one, and a waterproof liner or a couple of tarps, than it would be to buy a hiking backpack.
Thank you!
Forgive me. My first thought was for you to store some things in your car. I live in suburbia and am forced to have a car. I like Poppy's mum's idea of keeping a copy of important papers with family. I think I'm going to do that actually.
After 9/11 here in the US, I made an emergency kit using two backpacks for both of us and our kitties. I haven't done anything since however. Here in TX, we get tornadoes but that season is passed for this year. In CA we have earthquakes but they are very rare. I think it's super smart to be prepared like you're doing. Next step is to know where to go.
Yes, it's always heartbreaking to think about the animals when there are tornadoes, earthquakes, storms, etc.
Thanks for the update on your work situatio.
I'm fortunate in that the adult children are still at home and should be helpful in the case of an emergency. My son C is our cat whisperer, the cats will follow him anywhere. And we each have a vehicle so as long as there was some warning, we would do okay.
The one thing I think I'll put more thought into is having an extra copy of documents in a safe place.
I certainly hope it never happens to any of us, but being prepared is never a bad thing!
Areas to the north, in High River and Calgary have had severe flooding. I don't keep an evacuation bag, though I should. I am like you, without a car and no one to take me in come an emergency. In a pinch, I think the rescue-group I volunteer with could take my cats, but if I could find a place to go, they would come with me, of course. It is scary, indded. I'll be posting an article and pictures of the storm but not for a couple of weeks. I am on holiday and my computer at home doesn't let me post on my own blog. I have to wait until I go back to work. Sigh.
Also, our plans involve being able to stay in our home or being able to use at least one car. Heaven knows how we would manage on foot :-(