In 2021 we sure had lots of time to spend on the internet. We can’t forget the Bernie meme wearing the mittens that went viral, including Bernie helping sell Pet Evac Pak’s on social media. Then let’s not forget about the 13 year old pug by the name of Noodle that would let us know if it was a bones or no bones day. So much to laugh about.

2021 sure had enough challenges as well for us and our pets.  When we look back it’s a year, we can really say it’s time to kick 2021 to the curb.  We had so many natural disasters and then throw the pandemic on top of it and it’s been a very long year.  To review what we have had to overcome….

FIRE

Dog fire rescue

Fire season (not really a season) and had no beginning or end, it went all year long.  As I am writing this on December 31th there is a huge fire burning in Colorado.  Just in the United States alone, as of 12/31/21 the NIFC reported a total of 58,773 wildfires across the country that had burned more than 7.13 million acres.

HURRICANES

As of November 30th, 2021 the Atlantic Hurricane season officially ended, but not before it produced 21 named storms (winds greater than 30 mph), including 7 hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater) of which four were major hurricanes (winds 111 mph or greater) according to NOAA.

TORNADOES

The most destructive year – The National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed 68 tornadoes as of 12/21/21, they verified 1-EF-U (unknown), 16 EF-0, 28 EF-1, 15 EF-2, 6 EF-3, 2 EF-4, no EF-5 across 10 states. 

FLOODING

This has been the deadliest year since 2017 for flooding.  Flooding has killed 116 people in the United States this year. 

Not to mention earthquakes, Ice storms, and volcanoes. Then you throw in the pandemic on top of it and again time to say good-bye!

Let’s talk for a moment about those who help us through these disasters, like first responders, nurses and doctors, fire, police, and all the volunteers to name a few.  We need to thank them all! 

But let’s take this one step further, who is there for your pets?  Our pets are a huge part of our lives. In all of these number they never talk about how many pets are lost or perish due to disasters and people not being prepared or having to leave them behind. 

I worked the Red Cross shelter during one of the fires this year and people were showing up with their pets only to be sent to drop them off for the local animal control to take care of them.  Now what would you do?  A lot of people would not leave their pets so they opted to sleep in their cars.  Most of these pet owners didn’t even have bowls or water for their pets.  The Red Cross was scrambling trying to locate bowls to give these folks.  Luckily, I had a couple of big boxes in my truck that I was going to deliver to animal control so I was able to help the Red Cross distribute some to pet owners. 

There are really so many things to consider when making an emergency plan for your pet.  How quickly can you get them out if you only have a few minutes to grab your belongings and get out.  Do you have their shot records in case you need to board them?  Do you have their microchip number in case you get separated?  Do you have a basic first aid kit in case they are injured?  What about food and water?

The Red Cross and FEMA will be focused on saving people, as they should.  You need to make sure your pet is safe by making a plan and having a minimum of 72 hours of supplies for them and at least 5 days of their medication.

Now is the time to say bye-bye to 2021 and make a plan to be prepared for what 2022 has in store for us.  Pet Evac Pak is here to help from our free e-book on Pet Emergency Preparedness to our premium pet evacuation kits.  Prepare today so you never have to leave your pet behind!

Wishing all of you and your pets a very happy and safe NEW YEAR!

One Comment

  1. Debbie Leukhardt January 9, 2022 at 5:29 pm - Reply

    Thanks for jogging my memory with this article. I need to write down my dogs microchip number, company and phone # . I don’t think i put that in his Pet Evac Pak with his information. I do have his picture etc. but I think I will have one copy for me and one that is attached to his crate as well. Nice newsletter, thanks for your help.

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