I live in Aiken County South Carolina where the train wreck happened and the major chemical spill (I think we got a blip on CNN - if any of you seen it) - people had to evacuate their houses with moments notice (about 5400 people) - many of them were not prepared to take their pets with them - now it is really sad because what they thought was going to be a 12-18 hour evacutation has turned into at least 4 days...they are now starting to go around and pick up all the dead dogs from the area around the crash site and from inside the residences...that have died from chlorine inhalation...there are hundreds of them...I have had to take many calls in dispatch from these people that "had" to leave their pets behind...I have made it a new mission of mine to educate the public on what should be done and how to stay prepared for an evacuation like this...we don't live near the coast - evacuations aren't something most people around here expect or have ever prepared for...now I want to teach people how to expect the unexpected and how to stay prepared for it...if any of you that have ever had to evacuate with your dogs have any advice - please help...I did read the post a while back when some were preparing to evacuate from the hurricane - lots of good ideas in there too that I have definitly made note of...

On a more positive note...we brought my sister-in-laws miniature dashi male here because she lived very close to the accident - Luke, my 8 mo old Mal, is doing very well with him - I was worried about that (mostly because we haven't had another dog here since we got him, and I didn't know how he would react to a male "visitor") - just taking a moment to brag on my guy...he has also taken well to the fact that "mom" has basically had to "ignore" him for the last few days...I have worked almost around the clock in dispatch and with the sheriff's office trying to help...he has been very patient - I am sure he can sense my frustration and stress and he only offers a big mal smile, a lick in the face, and a paw or his head in my lap...he's a great dog...I can't imagine having to leave him behind - and i wouldn't...it doesn't take that long to atleast grab a leash and get them in the car...

mostly venting i guess...

Thanks for making us aware, we also live near some railroad tracks. I never thought of a plan to move the dogs, wife and kids quickley if we had to bug outta here. I'm working on one now

I used to live in a hurricane prone area. We had 2 of most things and it helped a lot. One out and the extra in the pet drawer in the kitchen, along with all of the meds and such. Dump the drawer into a bag and you can leave, maybe grab the 5lb countertop kibble containers on the way if you have time.

During the great Misssssippi floods here in 92-93, one of the problems was stubborn people waiting to long to get out. Then the rescue boats wouldn't take their pets because of lack of room on the boats. There was a big pet rescue drive when things started settling down but the priority, naturally, was getting the people out.

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but the priority, naturally, was getting the people out

That has been our main focus at the sheriffs office as well...the sad thing though is most here would have had time to take their pets...they just either chose not to, which I don't understand...or they weren't prepared to...which is where i think education and awareness would help...

It doesn't look good so far (for the people or the pets)...my best friend was working in the building right next to the wreck and she is still in induced-coma in critical condition - please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers...there are 9 dead so far and they expect to find many,many more in the surrounding homes and businesses that they can't get to because of contamination...that is going to be tough in a small community where everyone-knows-everybody...

on a good note...thank heavens for generous people...we were able to find a lady near us that used to run a kennel - she still has the facility but for the most part it is empty...she has allowed people to bring their pets there at no charge and she is also taking in any found on the street and rescued by someone else...she is providing food, treats, and toys and anything else needed, for as long as it is needed, at no charge to the victims...

what a mess... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />