Dogs may
be able to predict summer storms, but will they plan for it? That’s where
humans come in.
Severe
thunderstorms often occur in the spring and summer, and since pets can’t read
calendars, it’s up to you to prepare. The National Severe Storms Laboratory warns that
rainfall from thunderstorms can start flash floods, which cause more deaths
annually than lightning, tornadoes, or hurricanes combined. How can you insure
yourself from potential danger? It’s easier than you think.
One of
the most basic precautionary steps you can take for the inevitable summer storm
is to keep candles around the house. This isn’t your mom talking. It’s common
sense. Candles, flashlights, and spare batteries all become as invaluable to a
person in a blackout as quarters to a laundry-depraved college student. Keep
them together so you won’t wander blindly in search of a flashlight when all
you have are batteries.
Speaking
of electronics, how useful is a weather radio during severe storms? As long as
it carries the Public Alert logo, it will broadcast one of 7 VHF frequencies
brought to you by the National Weather Radio (NWR): 162.400; 162.425; 162.450;
262.457; 162.500; 162.525; 162.550. Each frequency notifies listeners of
impending storms. Better write those down, because you won’t be able to Google
anything in a blackout.
Lastly,
animals can’t be forgotten in a storm. My dog knows when it’s storm season, the
anti-anxiety vest is coming out. A vest for pets isn’t a fashion tip as much as
it’s a tool to keep dogs calm. Some dogs act like babies during thundershowers
or hailstorms, so why not treat them like one? An anti-anxiety vest gently
applies constant pressure to a pet, like a parent swaddling a baby. One
may look silly, but a vest saves your furniture from destruction and your
wallet from weeks of obedience school.
Planning
ahead is the best way to insure yourself, your home, and your family (pets
included!) from storm season. Have some tips to help us weather the storm?
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I am a Farmers® agent but my posts are my own and are not statements by or on behalf of Farmers.
