emergency.page

WHERE IS YOUR FIRST AID KIT
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR
AN EMERGENCY?

Power of Dreams

Emergencies can strike at anytime -- and they usually do -- when we least expect it -- rear up their ugly head.

My awakening to the possibility of a major catastrophe came several years ago when an out-of-control range fire started moving toward my home. I had over 125 birds at that time. What was I supposed to do? Most of them had been neglected or abused in some way and could not be handled. No sense in even thinking that the command "Step Up" would solve my problem. I needed an evacuation plan and I needed a first aid kit. I had neither.

In a bag, hanging near my first aid kit, I now have a heat lamp and clamp, a heating pad, both the electrical and microwaveable varieties, including some "blue ice" hot and cold packs. Several cotton diapers, paper towels, and a thermometer are packed in a plastic reptile aquarium.

Ideally, I would like to have a standard pet carrier available for each bird, but financially, that is out of the question. I have found that pillowcases, with shoelaces used as drawstrings through the hem of the case, work in a pinch. I realize that it wouldn't take long for a Grey Parrot or any other large bird to chew through the pillowcase, but it does provide a means of carrying them until I can get them settled into a larger box or container, once in a safer area.

Make sure you store your mobile containers in a convenient place; however, it isn't wise to have them so close to your bird that a potential thief can use your own emergency container to remove your bird from your home.

If you must lock your cages, have your locks all keyed to one key. Make sure that the key is readily available near the cage. You are not going to have time to look around for keys and carrying containers...keep things accessible.

Large cages are nice and the birds love the extra room, but make sure you can get your cages through your doors. If you have to evacuate, you might need to move bird and cage all at the same time. In an emergency you will not have time to take the cage apart. If possible, make sure all of your cages are on wheels in the event you have to move them by yourself. If you don't have wheels on your cages -- you can easily make some. Heavy duty casters mounted into a base of PVC pipe makes a handy "dolly" to assist you in moving cages.

WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO GO?

My little truck is not going to hold all of my birds and their cages. But, I have friends. Contact your friends and make arrangements. Keep in mind, if you must evacuate, so must your next door neighbors. Make arrangements with friends or family from outside of your immediate area. I have several friends with horse or cattle trailers and partially vacant barns and sheds that I would be happy to use in an emergency. The situation you set up may not be the best, but remember, it is only temporary.

MAKE YOUR PLANS TODAY: WHERE ARE YOU GOING?
HOW WILL YOU GET THERE?

FIRST AID KIT SUGGESTIONS

Here are some suggestions for items to include in your First Aid Kit:

Small notebook and pencil; Penlight;
Towels; Paper Tape;
Small zip-lock bags for holding samples such as emesis or unusual droppings;
Small bottle of general disinfectant; Alcohol Wipes;
Syringes (insulin or TB, 5cc & 10cc);
Antiseptic salve; Aloe Vera Gel;
Bottle of normal saline or artificial tears for flushing eyes;
Q-tips; Gauze squares; Vet Wrap;
Small bottle of hydrogen peroxide (use carefully can cause tissue damage);
Small container of revitalizing solution (pedialyte or sports drink -- replace frequently to avoid expiration);
Quick-stop (for nails & beaks only);
Small bag of powdered sugar/flour mix to stop bleeding of flesh wounds;
Tweezers; Small nail file; Small pair of scissors;
Small pair of wire cutters; Small needle nose pliers or hemostats;
Band cutters;
Liquid bandage and/or "crazy glue" for emergency skin repairs.
and an Emergency Guide (available from Creative Bird Accessories, PO Box 2157, Darien, CT 06820)

My first aid kit is contained in a plastic box (similar to a tackle or toolbox) available at most general merchandise or office supply stores. I picked the one in the brightest possible colors. My housekeeping is not always the best and I want to make sure it stands out when I'm not thinking clearly and when I'm in a hurry.

If you have questions or suggestions for emergency plans and first aid kits, contact Charlie's Bird House at birdangel@hotmail.com