[SkyPilot]

Kartographer,

I didn't know you a had a ping list. Can you add me?

One of things I saw during Katrina was the problem of pets.

Shelters would not accept them. For some people, the dilemma of pets vs. humans sounds trivial. But I will tell you it was a real problem and situation for many, many people.

People were told, flat out, to leave their pets if they were evacuated (sometimes forcibly). To many folks, their pets are family. They might as well be asked to leave their infant behind. Again, some people might think this is a stupid issue, but it was real.

When people stock food, they should also consider their beloved animals. The grocery shelves might not just be out of bread and milk - if they are not looted or functioning at all.

[Georgia Girl 2]

We currently only have a 14LB Chihuahua but we keep a giant bag of food on hand at all times and canned food. She would be good to go for months.

[mumblypeg]

Katrina was a prime example of when you SHOULD bug out. People stayed behind because of their pets. An axe in the attic and a canoe strapped to the roof in case the levees broke. They weren’t worried about 100+ mph wind. It’s a pervasive myth that 2000 people drowned. In fact all those bodies were autopsied, and most died of BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA from collapsed structures and flying debris.
After the storm, animal rescue volunteers came from all over the US and found thousands of pets surviving on the decaying flesh of their owners.
I returned weeks later. The smell of those dead bodies will never leave me.