Four snakes & a skink, habitats, habits and identifying traits, can you tell a Gopher snake from a Rattler?

California Whip Snake, or commonly known as Stripped Racer.

While working on his lot my next door neighbor came across a California Whipsnake, it was about 6-feet long and a shiny silver color. He picked it up and relocated it across the road in the wooded area next to the ranch fence. I had seen these snakes before but the sightings are few and far between, they are not as rare as they are elusive, I'm of the mind there are many around.

Another lady by me saw what she first described as a Rattlesnake lurking between her bushes on the levee. As she described it at first it sounded more like a gopher snake, both are actually our friends as they keep the rodent population under control. She then continued describing it and it began to sound more like a Skink, the clue was when she said it appeared to have tiny legs but it looked like a snake.

Gopher Snakes are common on our island, I saw one in the garden against the fence in the semi-long grass. It was about 4 feet long and just minding its own business, it keeps the rodents under control and I like having them around. I suspect there are many more of them in the local area as well.

Yesterday my wife was in the driveway, she is deathly afraid of snakes, and my saying they are our friends is absolutely not a comfort to her. She saw what she described as a California King Snake, newly hatched it was very small, about 6-inches in length and the diameter of a pencil. It sported Black, Orange, and White bands headed North West, I succeeded in convincing her it did not live on our property but on the neighbors and she would most likely never see it again. I declined to tell her if there was one newly hatched there was certainly more.

During the spring we have black Water Snakes, I cannot figure out how they tolerate the 50 degrees F. river water. (10 Celsius) I have seen them several times swimming with the current holding their heads high above the water. I have mostly seen two at a time swimming side by side, I did, however, see one swimming underwater chasing a fish not too long ago. I also caught one while Trout fishing on the Kings river many years ago, I saw a rattlesnake on the same backpacking jaunt but that's fairly common in that area.

These are the snakes I or someone close to me has seen, granted there is some that are killed on the road always carried away by one of the scavenging predators or the Vultures will dine where it lays.  (I find it strange that I have never seen a Turkey Vulture as the victim of a vehicle.) The roadkill seems to be mostly during the springtime I suspect it has something to do with warming up. In this blog I will describe each of the 5 local snakes, they are undramatic for the most part merely going about their day to day routines paying little attention to the human interlopers.

First is the California Whip Snake (also known as the Striped Racer), they are a beautiful animal, the one I saw was a shiny silver much like the color of the Tin Man in the movie "The Wizard of Oz", the original film. The official color is Cream or White, variances do occur and it depends upon the local as to the color. They are not big snakes, long but not hefty in the girth, a one-inch diameter would be a big sample. They have a stripe laterally that is 2 scales wide running on each side of their body the entire length, with a yellow underside. In contrast, the Alameda Striped Racer looks much like a common Gartner Snake and may be easily confused. Under the head are many black dots which stand out on the pale yellow background, a light stripe connects the eye and the nose.

The California Whipsnake is not a danger to humans, they have no venom that is toxic to most of us. They are not above eating their own, as well as Lizards (Fence lizards are numerous), small Birds, other Snakes, Skinks (numerous here) and Frogs. They are active during the daylight hours holding their heads high above the weeds, rocks, and wood piles searching for unsuspecting prey.

Providing protection from predators the Whipsnakes habitat includes rocky outcroppings, wood piles, mammal burrows, and high chaparral. Mating takes place during the spring, it takes a huge part of their choice of environment, preferring to stay in a secure spot they use the habitat for mating also. Kingsnakes, Raccoons, Skunks, Opossums, Coyotes, Foxes and Hawks, are the main predators, urban sprawl, wildfires, and extremely high grass are their natural enemies.

Photograph of a Western Skink

Second up is the Skink, it's a strange looking animal being somewhere between evolving from Snake to Lizard or the other way around. My neighbor saw one, my wife and I have seen many but one, in particular, sent my dear almost into a Lunar Orbit. Working outside during the springtime, I was in the garden and she was messing with planters on the front porch when I heard a blood-curdling scream and the sight of her running wildly across the driveway. She had come across a large Skink laying in the bottom of an equally large clay pot, just staying cool. Once again my effort to persuade her they are our friends also led me nowhere, so I reverted to my good standby, "you will most likely never see another one". The one she saw on the Riverside porch convinced her I was full of baloney.

Two species live in California, Gilberts and the Western Skinks, there are numerous sub-species in our area the Variegated Skink resides, its larger population resides in Africa. The Juveniles have bright blue tails changing to their adult colors although some individuals retain some blue their entire lives. The small to medium sized Lizards are covered in scales re-inforced by bone, the scales are smooth and shiny in the shape an egg pointed on each end. Most lizards scales are rough and raised up, this is not typical of skinks. They have stripes running along the length of their bodies from head to the tip of the tail Brown, Light Brown and Dark Brown are the typical colors of the Skinks in our area, and the reason I recognize them as the Western Skinks.

They prefer to live near the wetlands, living along rocky outcroppings, wood piles, and moist woody areas in direct sunlight. They may often be seen during the daylight but prefer to scamper under moist leaves and debris or other cool areas such as a clay pot. Small bugs are their primary diet, Crickets, Beetles, Sowbugs, Grasshoppers, Ladybugs, and Spiders are just a sample of their wide variety of prey. They dig burrows and build them several times their own length.

Mating in June and July the females lay 2-6 eggs, deposited in nest chambers many several centimeters deep in loose moist soil under flat stones, wood debris, or rocky outcroppings. The lifespan of a Skink is 10 years, reaching sexual maturity at the ripe old age of 2, although most do not mate until the age of 3, the eggs hatch at the end of the summer. We should start looking for the little around this time of year, September.

Kestrels are the main predators of Skinks, as well as Hawks, and the usual mammal suspects, Possums, Racoons, Skunks, and Coyotes. They do bite, and hard, although not poisonous when they clamp down on a finger it hurts badly and may break the skin. Normally shy it is advised not to handle them if you must use a net or loop snag as used to catch snakes.

Gopher Snakes live in nearly every mainland state, looking much like Rattlesnakes, they will bite but are harmless to humans other than a hard bite. These are the snakes seen most during the daylight hours in California, hot days will cause them to wait until dusk to venture out. The snakes are commonly seen crossing roads early in the morning before the sun rises and heats up the surface, a hot asphalt road may be deadly to them.

Often mistaken for Rattlesnakes they are instantly killed, its a mistake, here I go again, they are our friends. We see them around our dwellings because we attract mice and rats which comprises the bulk of their diet, I like them due to their ability to catch gophers. It is prudent to learn how to distinguish between the only venomous snake in California (The Rattlesnake) and our garden buddy the Gopher Snake, this Link describes the difference.

Gopher Snake Photo.

Resembling rattlesnakes with the patterned brown and tan markings the length of the body, thick midsection and nearly diamond shaped head it certainly takes a double look when encountered unexpectedly. They will coil up (as seen in this short video Link), becoming aggressive when they feel threatened they will strike an bite us, the best advice is to respect them and give them plenty of space. Never handle any Snake unless you can identify it as being harmless, I will not pick up any Snake, Skink, or Lizard, I claim respect not fear. I have known several people that have been bitten by a Rattlesnake, all suffered injuries to the same part of the body, the hand, and all were men, without exception they attempted to pick them up and lost a finger or two in some instances.

Moving along to the California King Snake, a medium size snake displaying Orange (or red), white, and black bands. There are numerous color schemes of the snakes, from all white to the brightly colored ones in the area I reside in. King Snakes are common throughout the state residing in every county, and near most bodies of water. Normally their habitat is below 1,000 meters (3280 feet) they are found up to 2,500 meters (8200 feet) in the Tehachapi Mountains. Living in forests, deserts, wetlands, in the woods, chaparral, and bushy suburban areas these animals are adaptable.

They hibernate in deep burrows entering a period of reduced activity and slowed metabolism. In cooler regions King Snakes hunt during daylight hours and when the temperature rises they prefer to become nocturnal, hunting at night. It's a non-poisonous non-native snake introduced from Spain either by accident or intentionally released, it is a very common occurrence worldwide for invasive species to be introduced in this way. They are constrictors wrapping themselves around the body of prey and squeezing until the last breath is taken, It is, however, immune to the venom of poisonous Snakes. Shedding 4-6 times a year they turn a milky white color and are rendered blind, juveniles shed once a month because of its rapid growth rate. When they are distressed the King Snake curls up hiding its head and shakes it's tail rapidly while hissing in the direction of the threat.

A California King Snake, they are a variety of colors.

As other Snakes, the Kings have many enemies common to other snakes, coyotes, opossums, hawks, owls, skunks, and too many more to list. Humans are predators also but for a different reason, are popular as pets due to their gentle demeanor. As predators, they hunt and feed on turtle eggs, birds, reptiles, small mammals, and surprisingly the Western Diamond Back Rattlesnake. As I said previously they are immune to the venom, and are a welcome addition to the wildlife in my garden, even though we have no Rattlesnakes nearby, that may well be the reason. Laying 5-12 eggs from May through August they hatch 10 weeks later 8-13 inches long, (20-33 cm) just the size my wife saw, which means there are more.

Last is the California Black Water Snake, heavy bodied and 2- 4-1/2 feet in length (60 cm- 122 cm) they begin life banded brown and grey with a tan background. Older snakes may appear to be completely brown, or totally black in color, with white, beige, or yellow belly they are common in a varied amount of colors. When stressed they will strike repeatedly emitting feces and a foul-smelling musk sure to make us take a hasty exit.

Freshwater is their preferred habitat ditches, ponds, lakes, wetlands, and slow-moving streams and rivers. The individuals I have seen have been obviously caught in the spring run-off and carried with the current downstream. They are an invasive species, not welcome in California and if one is spotted or captured the Department of Fish and Game requests us to give them a call and they will come and get it. They make bad pets mostly because they are ornery, mean, and they smell bad, talk about an insult. They displace the native Garter Snakes dining on them as well as aquatic species such as fish and amphibians.

Compare Gopher Snakes to Rattlesnakes.

It is a best practice to give any Snake a lot of room, observe from a distance, do not attempt to pick them up unless knowledge of Snakes is one of your strong points. I can recognize many but I do not know all of their characteristics, I simply let them be. It is not uncommon for some of us to have an almost paralyzing fear of them, and that is fine. That extreme fear has it's drawbacks if it is one that overcomes the victim to the point of not being in a reasonable state of mind.

We must watch where we step, drive, and park our vehicles, many people have been bitten by the dreaded Rattlesnake when exiting their car with a snake underneath it. Pay attention to where we pull off of the road, look 10 feet (3 meters) ahead, carry a walking staff and thrash tall weeds if walking next to the trail is needed. Snakes can look like "cowpies" in a pasture, in the event we are walking across one pay particular attention to them, look at the piles closely.

Thanks for reading and sharing my blog, it's a bit long, leave a comment, I like snakes and the further they are from me the more I like them.

jacquesandkate  EmergencyKitsPlus.com

Flea and Tick season is still upon us,tormenting our pets in this blog are some natural safe pet treatments.

My Skunkpuppy, a mixed breed wild-eyed country dog.

I really don't like putting flea and tick repellent on our wild-eyed mixed breed Heinze 57 family dog. She doesn't like it one bit, true to form she makes it as difficult as possible resisting with full determination. The commercial stuff is expensive, and I'm not sure if it's not toxic, I have read lately that the pills may not be the safest for our pets. Those that choose pills or the treats are advised that if they are given in higher doses than recommended they may cause illness or even death. A detailed investigation should be performed by pet owners using them, I am not a Vet and I do not possess great knowledge about the toxicity, but I will advise caution as with all medications. I've been searching for homemade formulas for repellent, I have noted some below.

(This Link leads to an article on non-toxic ways to treat our pets for fleas)

Fleas and ticks will be prolific in our yards when the soil temperature reaches 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 C) and it is maintained for at least 2-3 weeks. Keeping them out of your yard will help keep them off your pets. The first item we need to take care of is to make sure our lawns are mowed, the little critters love long grass. I keep the weeds trimmed on the open lot next door, Skunkpuppy runs around it like she is the owner, and gathers many ticks and fleas. Luckily there is a fence around it, the gate was broken so we repaired it and now she has no access but we still cut the Levee weeds.

Nematodes are another answer, nematodes control ants, termites, grubs, and Fleas, they feed on them. Nematodes are living creatures, they can be bought at garden centers, big box hardware stores and online. When they arrive we must make certain to use them immediately. Add water according to the supplier's instructions, pour in a sprayer, or watering can and spray throughout the entire yard.

Rosemary, Catnip, lemongrass, basil, lemon balm, sage, and mint are some plants that naturally repel insects. Plant any of these in planters and place them by your entryways, they will naturally be offensive to fleas and will keep them out of your house. Some work excellent to keep mosquitoes away as well. A bouquet of Rosemary freshens the air indoors, and it is also a great attractor for honey bees.

Our Rosemary plant, the bench is 4-foot wide x 1/2 feet tall. 

Diatomaceous Earth, not the swimming pool type, that has chemicals in it for commercial uses. Buy food grade Diatomaceous Earth only, abbreviated DE, it is available at many pet supply stores. Dust your yard where your pets spend most of their time, where ever he/she rests is a good spot. DE is extremely dry and will dry out the flea and ticks eggs that lay in the grass and dirt. It doesn't take long before the pest will be eradicated if it is applied regularly. Once a month, and after every rainfall after the ground dries out. I use it around my worm farm bins, it discourages ants. More than that it dries them out as well, however, it would kill the worms also, caution is suggested. I hesitate using it on a pet because of the fine powder, my concern is Skunkpuppy may inhale it and instigate an asthma attack, yes she has asthma too.

Boiling 7-8 heads of garlic chopped up in a gallon of water, let it steep for 12 hours, strain it, pour it in a yard sprayer and spray the entire yard. Moderation is the key, garlic also kills some beneficial bugs, don't soak the ground and you'll be OK. When I was young we fed our Labradors garlic for flea control, I remember it working. People that recommend it now use 1/4 garlic clove per 10 pounds. If your dog is 100 pounds you would then use only 2 garlic cloves once a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar, 8 ounces of warm water, 12 ounces of apple cider vinegar, and 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt or Himalayan salt. Combine all of the ingredients, pour in a spray bottle and spray on your dog once a week. Make sure to avoid open sores or areas that are skinned or raw. We use this and it does work, most creatures don't care for vinegar or salt as it also dries them out.

Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes lurk in those trees.

Essential oils mixed with a neutral oil such as vegetable oil, olive oil or grapeseed oil (to name a few.) A few drops placed on a collar or bandanna around your pet's neck will repel pests. Take the collar off before entry back into the house. Essential oils such as Lavender, Lemon, Cedar, and Peppermint are some. Be cautious with them and again moderation is key, some oils may cause the pet to become ill when given in large doses, speak with an expert. This would be my last choice, it seems like a lot of preparation to be used only outdoors.

For everyday flea and tick repellent, combine 1 lemon, rosemary 3 sprigs, 2 garden sage sprigs 1 quart of water. Boil the water, slice the lemon then add the sage and rosemary into the water. Place a good cover on it and let the concoction steep at least overnight. Make sure to strain it before putting the solution into a spray bottle. This will last 1-2 weeks when refrigerated.

An old remedy is coffee grounds, I have not tried it but I have heard it works very well although it is a bit messy. Simply rub used coffee grounds into the pets (dogs) coat, let it sit for 1/2 hour or so then rinse the animal off with a garden hose. Perform this out of doors because most dogs will shake attempting to get rid of the used grounds, they end up splattering all over walls, decks, and people. My dog would continue to shake after the rinsing making the mess even more challenging when done in the wrong location.

Chickens will eat ticks and fleas by the hundreds every day, besides supplying eggs they are excellent for pest control. Opposums dine on them also, as well as skunks, and Wild Turkeys. I encourage all of them to visit the yard and garden, my neighbors have chickens, I am unable to convince my wife of their benefits.

(Follow this Link to my 20-second video of a Blue Jay and an ill-fated Tomato Worm)

The internet has many recipes and solutions to deal with fleas and ticks, do not use the same solutions on cats.
 
Thanks for reading and sharing, tell me what you think, have you used homemade flea repellent for your pets? I'd sure like to hear about it. Leave a comment, what have you found that works? click on the Link below and comment on my website, thanks.

jacquesandkate  emergencykitsplus.com

Is your drone a credible threat? Is it a nuisance drone? Is it affected by this new federal law, they can shoot it down.

One of the millions of drones being operated throughout the world

UAS, Unmanned Aircraft Systems, commonly known as "Drones" are fascinating to me, I like them. They have an almost endless list of possible uses, we have already become accustomed to their use in the United States Military. Ranging in size, and price, from basic hobby drones to the larger aircraft capable of carrying heavy payloads. Delivering much-needed supplies to a remote village, following criminals escaping from a crime, or searching the terrain for missing livestock or accident victims. I have thought of purchasing one, but decided right now not to for several reasons, none of which was a lack of interest. I live next to a river when I checked out one that would survive a dip in water sticker shock hit fairly hard. They are a high tech flying computer many are equipped with a camera. Just to become more confused I read the FAA section pertaining to the UAS's, there are two licenses available, amateur and professional, the professional license entails taking a course and a written test, much like a pilots license. Either would have served for my purposes because I have a lot of time I would study for the professional license. I began to ascertain what I would use it for, I spend all of my time on my 1/4 acre, a full acre when I count the adjoining empty spaces Skunk Puppy roams and feels as if she owns neighboring me. Looking in each direction I would probably fly it 360 degrees from my shade tree, or riverside deck hence needing a waterproof unit. My thoughts went to the Rancher across the road, his farm is 20 acres, beyond him are hundreds of acres of grazing land.

This Link leads to the FAA fact sheet pertaining with small unmanned aircraft regulations, take a look.

It makes me curious what the repercussions may be if a Drone were to fly over a herd of grazing steers or sheep causing a stampede. My sister had a German Shepard many years ago, (yep she's really old), her family lived next to a Dairy Farm. The dog chased the herd of cows causing them to go into shock and did not produce milk for something like two weeks, she had to pay the farmer for his lost income. Would the same penalties apply to me if I were to cause the animals to panic causing one to run onto the road and then be struck by a car? Stranger things have happened, a lady I know was driving home from work, she saw a Billy Goat running directly towards her vehicle, the fence did not slow the big animal even a tiny bit. He struck the side of her automobile and met its demise, she had to pay the farmer for his Goat. Does a Rancher or Farmer have the legal right to take capital action against a drone which might cause such an incident? The Capital action I am referring to is if they have the right to shoot a drone out of the sky if it is endangering their livelihood?

One second later this mans life changed forever.

Going a further there are houses around me as well, I would not consider using the UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) to "spy" on people, most likely I would chase birds or something on that order. After the drone takes off and heads toward its destination if it were to pass over someone's house will they have a legal right to shoot it down with the defense strategy of preserving their privacy? Is passing over a residence enough to qualify the radio controlled aircraft as a "nuisance drone"?

Three individuals fundamental rights may be involved with these scenarios, the rights of the property owners, the rights of the farmer to protect their livestock, and the fundamental rights of personal property (the drone owner). It brings to mind the old sing-song "your rights end where my nose begins", I use the saying "my nose ends where your fence begins".

One of the first legal cases pertaining to drones and personal property involved a man taking out his shotgun and blasting a UAS out of the sky as it was flying over his property taking photos. The drone owner sued the property owner in Federal Court, it is illegal to shoot down an aircraft, and the sky was (and is) Federal Airspace. Such was the drone owners defense, he was flying in a legal way the airspace was not restricted. The property owner would have been legally in the right if the shooting was necessary to protect his assets, livestock, or land, and if the destruction of the drone was not unreasonable when weighed against the potential harm. The lawsuit was dismissed on jurisdictional grounds, it was not determined whether the drone was in Federal Airspace or on the shooter's property. Under Federal law 18 U.S.C. 32. it is a felony to intentionally damage or destroy an aircraft. A property owner or anyone else shooting down a drone may be prosecuted under that criminal law.

By George that looks like a small whirlybird, let's shoot it down
and take a look at it son. 

Several years ago a man living on the slough about a mile distant from me shot a flare into a fisherman's boat. Piercing the vessel completely through, the boat took on water, our slough joins two rivers the San Joaquin and the American. These then wind their way through several bays until it reaches San Francisco Bay 50 miles to the West. From there it flows through the Golden Gate and then out to sea, establishing our slough as an "International Waterway", the man was indicted under federal law and set for trial. He died several months before the trial date. Airspace may one day be treated in the same manner as International Waters.

From my perspective, not being a drone operator or really caring if one flies overhead taking pictures, another set of circumstances may be clearer. If a person was standing on the road taking pictures of me (risking breaking his lense from my image), and if I did not approve of it, there is no way it would be legal for me to pull out old Betsy and shoot him. A pen is mightier than the sword but is a camera mightier than a shotgun, or nearly equal? No, it is not, the potential of damage from a camera, (is it the same as a drone with a camera? interesting) is in no way comparable to the potential disaster caused by a gunshot. Firearms cannot be fired just anywhere, state laws restrict their use for instance in a sub-division, or in rural areas towards houses. To violate those laws a person may be subjected to State as well as Federal laws facing prosecution. Arkansas passed a law making it a crime to knowingly use an unmanned vehicle or aircraft to secretly view by electronic means a person, (Google maps comes to mind) 13 other states have passed laws pertaining to consent where a person's privacy is concerned. In Utah, it is a misdemeanor to disturb or hurt livestock with a drone. Texas made it a crime to fly a UAS over animal feedlots or other feeding operations. Oklahoma has a proposed law exempting landowners from liability for damaging a drone under certain conditions. What if a drone is carrying a potentially dangerous payload like an explosive?

I watched a news segment some time ago about a drone owner fixing a pistol of a large caliber on a UAS, capable of firing accurately and hitting a target. Not to worry our United States Congress is on the job, introducing a 1,200 page FAA Reauthorization Bill last Saturday it will be voted on by the House tomorrow, Wednesday, September 26, 2018, yes its that current. This bill would give the DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and the FBI the right to track drones and shoot them down if they are decided to be a "credible threat", to a covered facility or asset. It is being sold as giving the Feds the tools to combat the "growing threat" from drones inside this country. Is the threat real? Drones of every size shape and durability are available on the free market, some are capable of carrying life-threatening devices which could in probability be used by criminals and terrorists to drop chemicals, explosives, or conduct illicit surveillance. As it stands now a law enforcement officer, FBI agent, or any other responder would be in violation of Federal Law if he/she were to down a UAS. One huge problem with the bill is the determination of who will decide if a drone is a "credible threat". It makes one wonder if a bill such as this is needed, I envision a law outlining the threat of drones used in this capacity having to be much longer than a mere 1.200 pages, it seems like an incredibly complicated activity to legislate with such a limited bill.

Depending upon which side you're on this could be a nuisance drone.

In the end, will I purchase a drone? I'm still not sure, one thing is for sure if I do it has to be waterproof so I can fly over the pasture on the far side of the river, oops, now that Rancher would shoot a drone down. For a while longer I will stay with my video camera taking movies of the wild things sharing the river with us, I will leave the cattle alone.

Thanks for reading and sharing, the future of UAS's will be interesting, I just hope not to get conked on the head when a package is being delivered by a drone flying overhead and it accidentally drops. Thanks again, let me know what you think, do you operate a drone? Educate me on some aspect of it, my knowledge of them is very limited, but it's hard for me to imagine a cooler device to have, even for an old guy like me.

jacquesandkate emergencykitsplus.com

Remembering a talking Crow led me to write about floodwater and the impact on wildlife, read about it here.

Jimmy could talk, Crows are survivors.

There was a farm down the road from where I lived when I was young, it was during the late 1950's and early 60's. One of the many subdivisions developed after the second world war providing jobs and homes for the generation that returned home from that war. Soon the subdivision would be completed and the farm would be no more. Living on the farm were the farmers family which included a young boy a few years older than I was, he was a natural with animals. He had taught a crow to talk, one sentence, "Hi, I'm Jimmy the Crow". The bird was free to fly the entire area, landing near us we didn't really understand what it was all about, but it was fun to play with Jimmy. The Crow was lucky, he could fly to escape any threats that may have come his way. One wildfire occurred while we lived there, and other than the normal blizzards, tornadoes, and heavy rainfall it was a very secure area. I was thinking about the contrast between that environment, safe from flooding even though we were about 3 miles from the Minnesota River, and 5 miles from the Mississippi. The river banks were high, 50-75 feet so it would have to be a monumental amount of water to flow over the top. Even so, Jimmy would have been able to fly to escape any threat, Unfortunately, all animals are not so fortunate.

My attention turned to the impact that the monster Hurricane Florence has had on humanity in that vast flooded area, the human suffering is always first on most peoples minds. During floods many families lose everything forcing them to rebuild from scratch, some have no flood insurance. Those that do have flood insurance still suffer greatly from having to spend much-needed money on emergency repairs and ruined furniture, vehicles, and equipment. Cleaning up the mess is always monumental, most residents have few choices other than to rebuild and keep going. Sure there are always problems with infrastructure that is poorly designed causing much damage, there is also a lot of worn out infrastructure as well as bridges, dams, and levees that are stressed to the maximum experiencing a 1,000-year event. Reclaiming their farms, homes, and places of business after the event, when the water begins to recede is when all of the hard work begins. Farmers lose livestock, families lose pets, and the wildlife must cope with the disaster.

Nothing but hard work remains.

My thoughts today have been pre-occupied with the wild animals and how they survive the disasters, wind, tornadoes, but most of all the high water invading their habitats in which they were born and now exist in. I have visions of snakes, alligators, and snapping turtles being swept away by the raging water destined to be deposited where ever the water stops flowing. Jimmy the Crow would be one of the lucky ones, he could fly as most birds are able to do, some like domestic chickens have a very limited flight distance. There are the mammals also, what do they do during an event as huge as Florence? Let's take a look at some of the reptiles, mammals, and birds.

Some of them will die from the floods, the mortality rate is impossible to calculate, it varies from one location to another. Young and old animals are the most vulnerable, most of the healthy, middle age animals have adapted to high water situations and most will make it through the disaster just fine. The amount of area taken over by the flood and how long the water remains affects the mortality rate.

Follow this Link for suggestions on what to do if wildlife is encountered in a flood emergency.

Deer seek high ground when a flood begins, they are able to swim very well in normally flowing water, a raging flood stream is another matter entirely. Some will drown but surprisingly most of them survive, searching for the high ground they normally find it. They form herds which deplete the food supply in short order, if that herd gathers around a house the temptation is to feed them. It is recommended not to feed them, the idea is that it will encourage the animals to remain on the property dependent upon being fed by humans. We have good intentions and the idea of not feeding a herd of starving deer is hard for most of us to contend with, we may cause more harm than good, however. The large animals are stressed and being in an unknown environment they are easily spooked, approaching them may cause them to panic seeking escape in a deep raging torrent or water. Encouraging a large group of them to congregate may spread disease, after being in flood water for an extended period of time they are exposed to many toxins, viruses, and bacteria which is able to spread to all of them causing a mass die-off.

These are Mule Deer, they will form herds also.

If the situation is dire and the animals are starving to death and must be fed caution must be taken, some feed is not appropriate. One would think because the deer commonly invade our fields of corn that would be a proper source of food, that is not the case. The potential danger is aflatoxins which are increased if the product is exposed to the wet ground. Deer can sustain high levels however birds (such as Wild Turkeys) are likely to die from it, isolating the feed to just the Deer would be impossible. As soon as the corn is placed in a feeder the birds would show up most likely leading to their demise. Long-term consumption of corn and other grains (Wheat) will lead to rumen acidosis causing long-term health effects and most likely death to the Deer. Cattle feed such as  Hay is not suitable due to the lack of essential nutrients for the animals. Dairy Cattle feed, however, is acceptable, in pellet form with at least 12% crude protein placed in an above-ground trough type of feeder is the recommended way to provide them with the food.

Feral Hogs do not cope well in a flood disaster very well at all. they are an invasive species which cause extreme damage to every environment they encounter. Unable to swim well when caught in the rapidly moving water during its downhill rush they drown, many do survive. They face another dilemma being an invasive species they can be dispatched after permission from the property owner is achieved. It is seen by many as a unique opportunity to rid the area of a very destructive pest, but caution must be taken to be certain not to be mistaken for another breed of animal. Checking with the local wildlife authorities is a prudent necessary step that must be taken to ensure all laws are adhered to.

Squirrels experience high mortality rates. Squirrels lifespan is 1-1/2 years on average, if they escape the flood waters they have a higher risk of death from predators, traffic, and starving to death. They breed all year long, a flood greatly impacts the reproduction rate. They produce more young during the summer breeding season which extends from June through August. January through March is the winter season typically producing less offspring.

Rabbits like Squirrels experience high death rates under normal river flows, during a flood it is greatly increased. Fifteen months is the lifespan of cottontails, 2 years is normal for swamp Rabbits. Typically breeding from January through September the normal litter size of 4-5 is reduced during high water, but they have 4-5 litters per year. Swamp Rabbits breed from February through July averaging 3-4 young with each of 2-3 litters per year. It sure seems like the Rabbits around my place have a lot more litters than that per year, it seems they have one every month of the year.

Alligators may appear on roadways or in yards, stay very far away from the reptiles even though they are non-aggressive normally unless they feel threatened. Keep pets on a leash when one of the large predators is nearby, if there is a threat to humans call the State Department of Wildlife to have reptile removed.

Snakes will seek safety anywhere, in homes, buildings, outbuildings, and wood piles during natural disasters. Cottonmouths and Rattlesnakes are the most probable species we may encounter depending upon the location. Be cautious when moving through the high water in boats, walking, or clearing debris. After the water recedes check the entire house, attics, storage cupboards, outbuildings, and ventilation ducting. Protective clothing, long pants, boots, and gloves must be worn when walking through standing water. Wash your self off after being in contact with flood water, it is toxic.

Bear encounters are rarer, but if one comes into a residential area remain at a safe distance, some are a protected species protected by federal law. Arbitrarily shooting one may lead to serious legal issues with the Federal and/or State officials. As with Alligators and Snakes call the State Wildlife Department, they will trap and relocate the animal.

A photograph of a Fire Ant raft, stay clear!

Fire Ants flushed from their nests will form rafts making their escape from the high water efficient and swift. Floating on top of the water they will occupy any high ground, they are extremely aggressive and are capable of causing serious bites. If a raft is encountered they may see a human as high ground and attempt to occupy us, stay far away from them.

Humans need to take precautions to protect ourselves from becoming ill from the flood water. The blog I wrote two days ago talked about the many toxins in flood water as well as some of the illnesses we may be inflicted with. Avoid handling animals without gloves (dead or alive), never eat food that has come into contact with flood water, under no circumstances should flood water be used for any reason, it can not be purified well enough to consume. Hygiene is extremely important, after being in contact with flood water wash/bathe/shower with hot water and soap if available, there are chemicals, pesticides, and feces in that water. Do not use well water until after it is tested and given a clean bill of health by a qualified lab.

Follow this Link for an informative article on What every animal owner needs to know about pets and floods.

By no means is this a comprehensive listing of all of the animals affected by the disasters, but it gives us a pretty good idea of what the wildlife must contend with, it affects us as well. Thanks for reading and sharing my blog, I hope I pass on some useful information, my next article will be on livestock and farm animals. Thanks again.

jacquesandkate  emergencykitsplus.com

Perils of Flood Water it is much more toxic than it appears to be, read this blog and discover why.

Rinse off after coming in contact with the flood water, it's toxic. 

Flood water appears to be merely another body of water, some of it is moving rapidly some doesn't move at all. It comes from many different places winter snow run-off, breached levees, heavy rainfall, and natural disasters. Coursing its way across flat-lands, down mountain slopes, past industrial facilities, and recreational areas picking up any and all contaminates on its way. Everything from fertilizers, pesticides, and solvents all the way to animal feces, petroleum products, and industrial chemicals are carried away by the immense quantities of water. During flood events exotic pets, reptilian and mammal alike are either drowned or during the violence of the storm cages are broken open and the animals are released to breed and overpopulate the area. There are many faces of flood water, the initial flow cascading through towns and highways, then evolving to stagnant pools harboring habitat for insects, molds, and amphibians. the subject of this blog is the "Perils of Flood Water", in it I describe some of the dangers, safety precautions, and toxins carried in it. 

While looking through the National Geographic website I came upon a disturbing photograph of a young girl chest deep in the flood waters generated by the Hurricane Florence. Understand I am of the mind that a child's photograph should not be displayed on the internet for any reason, but that's just me, this one was particularly disturbing. Flood water should never be used for any reason what so ever, let alone recreation. 45 years after being exposed to agent orange in Vietnam the symptoms became apparent, I fear the same for this little girl so innocently playing in the seemingly safe pool. What is in the flood waters that make it so very toxic? Read on to find out.

What dangers are carried in the flood waters? 

Snakes habitat is commonly near waterways and when a flood occurs they are swept away from their familiar surroundings and end up in some of the most unsuspecting places. Normally living in environments well removed from people, the ones we see on the roads and paths are a minority, when flooding dislocates them they may be seeing humans for the first time in their lives. That initial exposure makes them especially watchful and on alert ready to strike at a moments notice. Carried by the flood waters current they are destined to ride the current out until they are deposited on the high ground or a structure exposed above the water line. Thirty-seven species of snakes are native to North Carolina, six of them are venomous.  First is the Copperhead, Canebrake, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, followed by the Pigmy Rattlesnake, the dreaded Water Moccasin (Cottonmouth), and last the rarest of them the Coral Snake. During normal times Snake bites are relatively rare, the Copperhead is the most likely culprit when a snakebite is suffered. The Copperhead is the Carolina's most common venomous snake. If you are bitten call 911 immediately, do not attempt the old failed responses such as cutting, sucking the venom out, or the use of a tourniquet, those actions may cause infection leading to loss of a limb, or in extreme cases death.

A Photograph of a Copperhead Snake.

Petroleum Hydrocarbon Fuels; gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and oils, spill from vehicles, are lifted from underground tanks, and industries manufacturing them. The level of toxicity varies depending upon the location of the fuel, additives to improve engine performance, altitude, the intended use of the fuel, and climate among many other factors. Making the establishment of a broad brush response usable during any flood anywhere impossible. However many potential health effects of most fuels and the toxicity of the chemicals have been studied and are well known, this makes treatment relatively standard for some commonly shared additives. Benzene, Toluene, Xylene, and Ethylbenzene (BTEX) are the chemicals contained in gasoline and diesel fuels. Entering the bloodstream through inhalation, or absorption through the skin they are then absorbed by every organ in the body. All creatures mammal and reptilian, suffer the same consequences. Often displaying very obvious symptoms helping to narrow down the cause of illness.

Symptoms of exposure to BTEX include: 

Exposed to a high level for a short time;
1) Dizziness 2) A headache 3) Nausea 4) Vomiting 5) Fatigue 6) Disorientation 7) Depression 8) Loss of consciousness 9) a cough 10) a sore throat 11) Nose lesions and blisters

Low-level long-term exposure;
1) Dry cracked skin 2) Short-term memory loss 3) Concentration becomes difficult 4) Decrease in the attention span

Treatments depend upon how the toxin entered the body, the length of exposure, and the level of the toxins that enter the bloodstream. That is why inhalation causes respiratory problems, and absorption through the skin manifests itself in the form of rashes, welts, and blisters as well as irritating chronic skin issues such as eczema. Seek medical care if any of these symptoms appear after exposure to floodwater, or a fuel spill.

Overflowing of water treatment plants, hazardous wastes sites, large-scale animal feedlots, and sewage systems contaminates the floodwater with all of the nastiness imaginable. Feedlots for raising the animals used in our food chain create a large amount of waste in the form of urine and feces. It is a common practice for the operators to have an area designated as a disposal site for these materials. Pens must be cleaned out daily and separated from the animals to keep them safe from disease. High water fills these areas during a flood and upon reaching a high level will carry the contaminates with it as it flows downhill. Water takes the easiest route, the path of least resistance which translates into meeting up with a stream, river, and eventually when the amount of water reaches flood stage the solids are deposited on lawns, highways, and inside homes. Receding water deposits the filth on the ground when it stops flowing, meaning it is everywhere the water was.

Bodies of animals that have drowned in the flood, this is a very
grim sight.

Thousands of animals die during floods, drowned and bloated they are also carried in the water to the lowest points, it's all heading downhill. The rotting carcasses in stagnant water create a very deadly illness known as Cholera, so effective in causing illness that in centuries past water sources were contaminated with corpses by advancing armies.

Water treatment plants when flooded send human waste out with the water when it overflows the containment areas. It may also be carried for many miles distant from the purification plants to be deposited where ever the water stops and lets the sludge settle to the ground to be exposed when the once flooded area dries.

Tetanus, E-Cola, Salmonella, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Paratyphoid, and Shigella are common illnesses suffered by victims of flood water. Tetanus may be contracted when an open sore is exposed to the contaminants, the remaining illnesses are brought on by ingesting the water or contaminated foods. Known as "lockjaw" Tetanus may appear weeks after exposure, making the connection is critical for the type of treatment needed.

Agricultural and Industrial sites are swept clean by the water racing through the fields, plants, and structures carrying all of the chemicals along with it. Often the contaminants are unknown, the water has been exposed to many different locations, and every type of chemical used to maintain our lifestyle. Symptoms similar to exposure to fuels are common when industrial and farm chemicals are the cause.

Recreational areas contribute to the toxic stew as well, Golf courses, Parks, entertainment venues, airports, and roads contain hydrocarbon fuels and oil, pesticides, fertilizers, paint, and cleaning chemicals all carried in the flood of water. Contaminating all in its path, making matters worse we do not know the concentrations or makeup of the nastiness.

These are by far not a complete accounting of the toxins or dangers in floodwater, but there is another very important issue that must be addressed when the floodwater recedes or dries.

Disease and nastiness is not the only outcome of flooding.

It is paramount for residents in a flood zone to purchase flood insurance, without it all of the costs incurred after a flood is upon the property owners. In many locals, such as the one I live in, make flood insurance mandatory, purchased through FEMA it costs me $2,000.00 per year.

Equally as important is paying attention to our water supplies, the utility supplied water may take several days or even weeks to be re-established and safe to be used. An entirely different aspect of potable water is if it is supplied by a water well, after a flood the well is contaminated. The floodwater enters the well from the top of the well, sinking to the bottom of the water supply all of the toxins carried over the wellhead enter our wells. The entire well system must be inspected and cleared by the local permit department for the equipment, the threat of electrocution is very real around soaked electrical equipment. The purity of the water must be determined in a lab designed for water quality testing, do not use the water until it is given a clean report by your local health department. The well may have to be flushed for many days or perhaps up to a week or longer. Do not use well water after a flood.

As I was looking at the little girl in the photograph playing in the water all of these issues and more went racing through my mind, we don't know what is in that water. Whatever is floating in it is not good, and the long-term health impacts may not be known for many years, as in my case with agent orange, decades. I realize first responders, rescue personnel, and law enforcement are tasked with caring for the victims, most of them wear protective clothing. Hip boots, rubber gloves, respirators, and goggles are some of the gear worn by them, they are well aware of the dangers. Consumption of water is critical, only drink from containers that had been sealed prior to the flood, being sure to wash the container if it contacted the intruding water. Food as well should be consumed with caution, and that had been in contact with the water must be disposed of. Food crops and animals that came in contact with the flood must be avoided as well, it sounds dire because it is. A flood is a genuine apocalyptic event, evacuation is the normal course of action, preparation for the disaster is one of the most important activities those of us in a flood zone can participate in.

We are foolish to wait until the storm is upon us, make a decision
to make a plan and get prepared for a disaster.

Invariably prior to a disaster, the major news outlets show the lines of people outside grocery, hardware, and big box stores to prepare at the last minute. Unfortunately, that is far too late, a lucky few will be able to purchase the needed supplies, most will end up not getting the amount of water, food, and emergency gear needed. Most of us are well aware of FEMA's recommendation to keep on hand ample supplies for our families lasting 72 hours. I have always recommended a one week supply for each member of the family, that is one 24 count case of pint bottles of water for each family member. That is enough to supply one person for a seven day period, from the looks of it that is not enough for Hurricane Florence, the rivers won't peak until tomorrow in many cases. We are in a classic position, these numbers can be applied to almost all of our lives challenges. It is estimated 30% of us have a 72 hour supply at the ready in the form of a portable evacuation kit, 30% of us know we should and want to supply ourselves and families but for a multitude of reasons we just don't do it, then the remaining 30% refuse to realize the threat, taking the attitude of it will never happen. It does happen, and to many of us it will happen, determining what our particular areas threats are then preparing for them takes a small amount of time compared to the possible outcome.

{Follow this Link to FEMA's planning templates}

This blog could go on for another 6,000 words but I feel as if I have made my point, don't mess around with floodwater, we don't know what's in it. Thanks for reading and sharing my blog, I feel this is one of the most important issues to stress in the niche I occupy with my blog and website. My wife and I live the preparedness lifestyle, we have kits set up, water stored, and a nominal amount of food. It may be because we live in a flood and earthquake zone, as well as a wildfire area. If I rely on Government aid to rescue me and my family I believe I am fooling my self, we will expect rescue at some point, but how long may we have to wait for it is an open question. Our goal is to be prepared to the point of being able to help our neighbors, friends, and family as well as ourselves, I know for a fact few of my neighbors have made any planning at all. Thanks again for reading and sharing this blog.

A typical two person 72-hour kit, or 6 days for one person, available here.

jacquesandkate  emergencykitsplus.com

Hurricane Florence, Typhoon Mangkhut create the need for emergency generators these precautions must be taken

Hurricane Florence is ripping its way into the Carolina's displacing many people, the flooding has taken historic proportions with millions of people being affected. Typhoon Mangkhut is tearing it's way across the Philippines, the South China Sea and landed in Hong Kong with 167 miles per hour winds. I want to acknowledge them and express my deep concern for the victims although I have no first-hand knowledge of the challenges any of the victims are facing. As is usual the human suffering is the hardest to witness when shown on the news channels, monetary contributions and prayers are in order.

Florence three days ago.

The Hurricane season was right on the heels of wildfire season, and it is a rip-roarer for sure. Florence is a monster, sections of North and South Carolina will remain inaccessible for another 37 days possibly longer. Millions of citizens are without electrical service, water resources, and food. Many electrical generators have been purchased and are being employed to supply much-needed power. For severely ill people electricity is a matter of life and death, medical equipment to sustain their lives is mostly electric powered. Food in a freezer is able to be saved with the use of one of these machines, there are many homes outside the flooded areas suffering from power outages as well.

A vehicle in a garage with the doors closed is a poisonous trap when an internal combustion engine is started and left to run, an electric generator is the same type of machine. There are other dangers of carbon monoxide as well, outdoor grills when used indoors for cooking or as a heat source when left unvented produce the toxic gas. Unvented heaters when burning a combustible fuel, oil, kerosene, wood, or natural gas can produce an extremely dangerous situation in a confined enclosure.

The devices are not limited to being toxic in a closed up room, or compartment, when placed outdoors next to an open vent, door, or window the exhaust is able to enter the home and become a dangerous situation. In a garage even though the big door is open may create a draft and send the fumes inside the house if the access door, a window, or a vent is open or ajar.

Carbon Monoxide, odorless, colorless and heavier than air is a stealth-like invader we don't always know is in the atmosphere. It's poisonous to animals and humans when it is concentrated in air greater than 35 ppm. Cattle produce it, most mammals do, in an enclosed space it is able to collect if there is no outlet.

Typhoon Mangkhut

Carbon Monoxide is heavier than air, it sinks in other words, making ground vaults extremely dangerous, they have no vents or ventilating air inlets or outlets to create a circulation of the air. An exhaust vent is needed with any device using a combustible material as fuel. An enclosed area is called a "Confined Space." Confined space training is mandatory for people who must enter these compartments. A confined space could be a tank, cargo trailer, processing machine or any vessel or room that has one entry, no vents, windows or fans. Prior to entering a confined space, the atmosphere must be tested to be sure it is gas free and the correct concentration of Oxygen is present. The confined space has an entry of some sort, normally it is an airtight and watertight type of "hatch" or a swing door that is bolted all around. Before entering a confined space for entry it must be set up, a person is assigned to watch the entrants, test the environment inside and keep track of the sign in and sign out list. The entry is typically called "the hole", the person assigned as the attendant is called the "hole watch". The watch must go through training, he has a lot of responsibility. No one is allowed in the hole without an attendant present when the hole watch leaves everyone must leave the confined space. The attendant covers the entry with red caution tape, prior to that he takes a muster to be certain everyone is out.  When the attendant returns he/she removes the caution tape, test the atmosphere of the space, makes sure everyone has their safety gear on, he signs them in the entrants must sign the muster sheet in and out. If an entrant collapses inside the confined space, everyone must leave, the injured person may be carried out if people are in there with him or her. If a person is inside the space alone and collapses, do not enter to help him out. There is a reason that caused the person to collapse, it may be a deadly gas or all of the oxygen is gone for one reason or another. Many people have gone in a confined space due to someone being unconscious, many died with the originally stricken person. Do not attempt to "rescue" someone from a confined space unless you are a trained "confined space responder", a very organized and well-trained group of people. Such is a description of an industrial confined space unless a person is exposed to them during their employment the chances are they are not aware of the seriousness of the threat. It is important to describe this procedure to raise awareness of the precautions taken by the industry as an example of the seriousness of carbon monoxide poisoning.

There are procedures for rescues, please don't take shortcuts.

I worked in and around confined spaces my entire career, it's a dangerous situation that is made safer through training. If you come up to a compartment or vessel, don't enter it unless proper precautions are taken. I worked in a plant where a man was killed after entering a confined space, everyone was on their lunch break. He went to the "hole" removed the red tape and entered, it was a very tall boiler firebox. The man climbed up four decks, the box was 110 feet high inside. A red hot "clinker" fell in a cyclone and filled the firebox with red-hot ash, he did not live through it. A terrible avoidable tragedy, there is a lot more to the story but the gist of it is, don't enter without training and an attendant. But that's an industrial site, around the ranch, farm or home there are confined spaces as well, do not enter any space prior to checking the atmosphere inside.

Don't mess around, make sure your devices are vented to the outdoors.

A garage is a confined space, a vehicle exhaust is carbon monoxide, if the car is running in a closed garage it is deadly. Leaving the vehicle entrance door open is not always a sure-fire safety precaution, it is possible for the gases to enter the home and endanger everyone inside. Burning of a combustible fuel in any form, charcoal, oil, kerosene, natural gas or diesel and gasoline in the garage must be monitored closely. When using the garage as a space in which one of these devices are being used there must be two doors open, the big door and a smaller door or window on the side or back wall. Never leave the access door to the house open while grilling or running a vehicle for use as an electrical source. Carbon monoxide may build up in places we do not suspect, such as the transom of a boat. The exhaust can collect in the vortex created when the boat is advancing forward with the motor running CO2 will collect above the swim deck and below the gunnel, although not real common it has happened twice on the river that runs by my house.

When using a device that generates electricity, the immediate suspect is an electric generator, do not energize it prior to setting up all electrical conducting cables. Water and electricity do not mix, there is a real possibility of electrocution. Connecting extension cords to a generator, while it is running and wet, will electrocute us when we complete the circuit to ground. The same precautions should be applied when using solar chargers that are connected to a UPS (Uninterrupted power source), which is charging and controlling a bank of batteries set up to supply 120 volts or more. It's all electrical power and while we supply our homes with 120 volts and more it is a danger. Disconnect all electrical generating devices with use of an isolation breaker or in the case of a power generator do not start it up until all connections are secure. Making sure all of the connections are off of the ground and protected to stay dry. If the cord is laying in a puddle of water leeching electricity when we come in contact with the water electrocution may result. That is a fairly common occurrence when docks on the water have electricity and the cord dips in the water endangering swimmers.

If there is a cellar or basement entry from the garage, CO2 will gather in the lowest places, your own basement could be a confined space. When a basement is flooded there are two dangers present and must be determined to be safe prior to entry. One is Carbon Monoxide, it will gather in the low spots unknown to us as it is odorless. The second is the danger of electrocution if the electrical service is on, the outlets, ignitors on water heaters and furnaces are all powered by electricity. If the power is off, before we enter a flooded space a recommended practice is to open the Main Breaker on your electrical supply box, the utility company may turn on the power while you are down there.

Carbon Monoxide will collect in any depressed area as well, a simple hole in the ground may harbor the toxic gas. Livestock creates methane, decaying organic material will as well after a flood recedes we don't know what nastiness may reside in an outbuilding, vault, or open ditches. The danger presents itself when we are seeking shelter from a storm, jumping into a ditch to protect ourselves from a Tornado may be a  jump into a poisonous atmosphere.

The places not to operate a generator.

During Florence, which is still going on as this is being written, two instances of people losing their lives when operating electrical generators powered with an internal combustion engine took place. My heart sunk when I read the accounts. One couple was running a generator inside their home when the fumes overtook them and lead to their demise. The second was a man who was connecting extension cords to a running unit when he was electrocuted. During neither instance were the people strangers to the equipment, what extenuating circumstances lead to the unfortunate outcome were not exposed in the article.

The intention on my part is to raise awareness by mentioning some dangers of entering an unknown space, and operating devices fueled with combustible fuel, in three words "please be careful". It's extremely important that if you look inside a space and a person is down do not attempt a rescue, you will most likely die. That is one of the hardest concepts to wrap one's head around while being instructed in confined space rescue, do not enter a space when someone is down. Unless we know for certain the victim fell and was rendered unconscious do not try to rescue him/her. Several times a year we hear of instances that a man is down in a tank and his coworkers enter the space only to meet their demise as well, it happens all of the time. We want to help people in distress but resist the urge to rescue someone down in a confined space.

Purchase an emergency kit, be prepared for the unknown Link

Thanks for reading, commit this information to your memory, in a disaster evacuation there are many undefined enclosed spaces. Don't assume the spaces are safe, they are not. Please comment, tell me a story related or not, suggestions are welcome, I'm open to anything.



jacquesandkate  EmergencyKitsPlus.com   

Evacuating in front of a Hurricane, some stay, some leave, why do they stay when only 30% are prepared for it.

Hurricanes are common throughout the world, and many times evacuation is ordered by elected officials. Organizing a mass movement of people during a stressful situation is a major undertaking, just to order an evacuation is a complicated issue. Hurricane Florance is beginning to roar through several of the Southeastern States, it has been reduced to a Catagory 1 storm with 90 miles per wind. That is a big wind, some longtime residents of the states affected use the word "only" in front of Catagory 1 status. Many of them are experienced in dealing with Hurricanes and will only leave their homes if the storm is a Cat. 3 or larger. It used to puzzle me as to why anyone would stay, but there are actually good reasons why that choice is made. Some have no choice but to stay, others feel as if the storm is a minor inconvenience, there is a lot of thought put into the choice for some and others treat it as a passing fancy.

Evacuating ones home is often a difficult decision to make for many people. Those of us removed may take the position as I do, at the first indication of a Hurricane I am out of here. I have a sneaky suspicion that applies only to people like me with limited or no knowledge, or experience of the storms to make a decision. Perhaps it is much like the threat of the "Big" earthquake in the western states, there are so many small ones the threat doesn't register. That too is experience dealing with a natural disaster, it's the same in the North with blizzards. Preparation for one of these catastrophes' is normally a goal for 30% of any population, human nature is to wait until the threat is realized and upon us. Three groups of people define the preparation undertaken prior to an event, 30% prepare in one form or another, 30% feel as if they should, and 30% are totally indifferent. The lack of preparation makes evacuation more difficult if those under orders to leave all head for the grocery, and big box stores after the directives are issued, it is making a difficult situation worse. Some residents choose not to leave their homes, the reasons are varied, and many seem to be logical decisions. Listed below are some of the reasons people make a decision to stay.

A 150-mile drive was planned by one married couple to evacuate their home in Wilmington, North Carolina to Raleigh. That city is projected to receive the brunt of Florence as well, the same with the second choice they had made which is a 4-hour drive from their home. Realizing they were not making the situation better by relocating they decided to remain home with four children, two exchange students, and their pets. It is just too hard to find somewhere to evacuate to, is the justification. During Hurricane Harvey, 60 deaths were realized on the highway due to people evacuating, the main reason an evacuation was not put into effect during that disaster. 60 casualties were approximately 1/2 of the 118 fatalities realized as a result of Harvey. It is a serious consideration to put upwards of 5 million people on the roads with the purpose of evacuating.

During a Hurricane is no time to decide to
evacuate.

A vehicle is required to leave an area and unfortunately, not everyone has access to one, some have never learned to drive, and others cannot afford one. Bus tickets out of town are expensive and like airplane tickets price gouging is common, using the excuse of "supply and demand". However planes don't fly during a Hurricane, already more than 1,000 flights out of Virginia and the Carolina's have been canceled, all flights will be at some point. Fuel for a long distance retreat is expensive and some people simply can not afford to leave. Often the roads are dangerous and jammed up making them a danger of their own, and gas stations run out of fuel. These are seen as being riskier than staying in the house and facing the storm.

Finding a place to go to is a daunting task due to the changing characteristics of the storm, it would be crazy to take off driving with no destination in mind. That is one reason evacuation orders are withheld until the last few days before landfall, first responders need to know where to head to as well, no one knows until the Hurricane is nearly on top of the affected areas. Staying with family or friends is the most desirable result, and works out well for those that have that option available. Otherwise, it means spending money many people don't have on a hotel, motel, or short-term renting of an apartment or another shelter.

Disabled people may face a situation more hazardous to their health than the Hurricane presents. A long grueling journey to a severely disabled person or a patient who is terminal may be unsurvivable to those in that state of health. Twelve residents in an elderly home died during Irma last year due to the facility losing its electrical power causing heat exposure and dehydration. This situation was one that the people could not evacuate due to their medical conditions.

During Hurricane Katrina, 55% of those that stayed did not have access to a vehicle or other means of transportation. Another 68% did not have the funds or even a credit card to pay for the expenses an evacuation creates.

Leaving pets behind is difficult if not impossible decision for some to make, so they stay with their pet dogs, cats, or livestock. Motels in some instances do allow pets in the rooms, however, one pet is the limit, those with numerous animals are rejected or charged more to the point of unaffordability. Deciding to leave them behind to be on their own is most often certain death, they would encounter a scary situation which would cause them to panic without the comfort of their caretakers. Most pet owners will not subject their pets to that tragic end of life.

Abandoned pet, what's he to do?

To place the lives of loved ones and pets intentionally is not the goal of most of the people that decide to stay. When it comes down to it sometimes it is more difficult to leave than it is to stay. As with so many decisions we face in life this would be one of the hardest I could make as I am sure it is for the people that decide to stay. One of the unfortunate results of not evacuating is sometimes the storms increases and becomes more unstable as it wreaks its havoc. Second thoughts are not uncommon causing some to evacuate in the middle of the event when it is right over their head. A decision to leave at that time is almost always a fatal decision, but a decision it is and they leave a position of relative safety to one of the absence of safety.

The decision must be made on an individual basis, including the entire would be in the groups best interest. Thank you for reading and sharing my blog, let us all say a few prayers for the people in the path of the storm and hope for no deaths that are a direct result of this disastrous situation. Thanks once again.

jacquesandkate  Emergencykitsplus.com