Batten Down the Hatches
Living on the Connecticut shoreline offers breathtaking views and a coastal lifestyle, but it also comes with the responsibility of preparing for summer storms and hurricanes. It’s essential to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best. This blog will provide practical advice on preparing your Connecticut Shoreline home and Pets for Summer Storms; safeguarding your home and beloved pets during potentially dangerous weather events
Protecting Shoreline Homes
Create a Comprehensive Emergency Plan
Develop a detailed plan outlining evacuation routes, communication strategies, and essential supplies. Share this plan with family members and neighbors. Keep in mind the following best practices when preparing for your pets’ safety during a storm:
Invest in Home Protection
Impact-resistant windows and doors can significantly reduce damage from flying debris. If you need new windows, considering these upgraded, more secure options will add a layer of peace of mind when sheltering in place during a storm. If impact-resistant windows and doors are not an option, installing shutters to protect windows and doors can keep homes safer when severe weather strikes.
Always ensure your roof is in good condition and can withstand high winds. Don’t wait until the storm to inspect your home for possible issues that may make it less safe to shelter in place at home.
Finally, clear gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage. And, keep the shoulders and storm drains of neighborhood roads clear of debris to reduce the severity of flooding.
Secure Your Property
Protect your belongings by elevating valuables and important documents to prevent water damage. Take photos of your home before the storm so that you can use those photos in any insurance claims.
Trim trees and shrubs by removing weak or dead branches that could become projectiles during high winds and secure sheds, gazebos, and outdoor furniture and decor by reinforcing their structures or tying them down.
Safeguarding Shoreline Pets
Our pets count on us to keep them safe in all weather – rain or shine! It’s important to include our pets in our emergency plans, whether we’re sheltering in place or evacuating in preparation for a storm system. Following are top prioritize when natural disasters threaten the area:
- Identification: Ensure your pets are microchipped and wearing collars with updated tags. Consider a GPS tracker and bring all pets indoors before the storm.
- Emergency Kit: Prepare a pet emergency kit including medications, first aid supplies, and a carrier. Build your own pet first aid kit because what you need for your pet in inclement weather will be different from what you need for humans. Visit the ASPCA website for a helpful list and guide.
- Shelf-Stable Foods: If your pet eats a diet that is usually refrigerated or frozen before serving, invest in shelf-stable, freeze-dried, or canned food options that will weather the storm with you and your pet if power goes out.
- Water: Have plenty of bottled water for your whole family – pets included. You’ll need approximately 24 ounces per day for a 20-pound dog and 8 ounces a day for a 10-pound cat.
- Evacuation Plans: Identify pet-friendly shelters and hotels in case evacuation becomes necessary.
- Create a Cozy Space: Create a quiet, secure space for your pets during storms. Provide plenty of water and familiar comforts.
- Stay Calm: Many pets will inevitably sense a storm before it hits. It’s important for us to remain calm and reassuring so that they take our lead until the weather event subsides.
Gathering Supplies
Having essential supplies on hand is crucial for weathering a storm. Consider including the following items:
- Non-perishable food and water for everyone in the home
- Flashlights and batteries
- Species-specific first aid kits and carriers, leashes, harnesses, etc.
- Radio
- Important documents in zip lock bags
- Medications with easy-to-read labels
- Sanitation supplies
- Blankets and extra clothing, shoes, sun protection
Staying Informed and Prepared
- Monitor Weather Forecasts: Stay updated on weather conditions through reliable sources like the National Weather Service via your smartphone, TV, or radio
- Sign Up for Alerts: Register for emergency alerts from your local government. Local news stations like WFSC Connecticut News offer weather alerts and notifications.
- Practice Sheltering Plan & Evacuation: Familiarize yourself with your shelter-in-place plan and evacuation routes and procedures. Have your family practice alongside you, pets included.
- Community Preparedness: Participate in community preparedness efforts and share information with neighbors. Remember your local Facebook groups, Ring app communities, and NextDoor neighborhoods. We stay connected to local news via the Old Saybrook Neighbors group on Facebook.
- Power up: Invest in a power pack or portable generator to ensure you can charge your smartphone if power goes out. You never know how long it will take for power to be restored and you need to keep in touch with loved ones and emergency services, if needed.
By taking proactive steps to protect your home and pets, you can significantly reduce the impact of summer storms and hurricanes. Remember, preparation is key to staying safe and resilient during whatever Mother Nature sends our way.
At Shoreline Happy Paws, our services usually continue as scheduled during inclement weather – assuming it’s safe and legal to reach the pets in our care. The challenge we often face during inclement weather is clients’ lack of preparation and supplies, which is why we urge you to start planning for your pet if you have upcoming travel or scheduled visits.
New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you, your family, and your pet(s) up for success. Existing clients may book dog walking and pet sitting services by logging in to your client profile.
Shoreline Happy Paws serves the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
