Seven tips to consider during emergency situations in rural areas

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SALT LAKE CITY -- While animals usually have a better sense of danger and what to do in an emergency than humans, they are often limited by the ineffective preparations of their owners. Here are seven tips that might make a difference in an emergency flood evacuation in rural areas where animals are a concern.

1. Always keep adequate cages and materials for animal enclosures on hand, especially in flooding or evacuation situations. With large animals, have a high-ground pasture already prepared and make sure that gates are lockable and in good repair. It goes without saying that keys should be in safe, available and obvious locations.

If it becomes necessary for an evacuation, have trailers ready. Make sure there are full-size spare tires (none of these tiny little emergency tires sometimes found on vehicles today), both for evacuation vehicles and trailers, as well as tools in place, vehicle lights working properly and vehicles full of gas and ready to go. It also helps to have a prearranged destination.

2. Food and water need to be stockpiled in sufficient quantities to meet animal needs and stored in a location that is adequately protected from vermin and other contamination. Fresh water is extremely important because flood water is probably contaminated and animals should not be allowed or forced to drink flood water. Usually at least a three-day supply should be stockpiled, along with feed holders and any other special equipment or supplies. In a flood situation, the last thing needed is a hungry animal that becomes ill by eating something dangerous or drinking contaminated water.

3. Remember that wild animals will also be affected. It is important to give consideration to what types of wildlife you may be dealing with before an emergency occurs.4. One aspect of natural disasters is the lack of advance planning for pest control. Make sure to have adequate information, knowledge and resources to deal with increased vermin or wildlife problems. The best way to do this is to be aware of your surroundings and to learn about wildlife-control techniques.

5. Always have on hand batteries for flashlights and a radio, and know what radio stations to tune in to get current information. It is also wise to plan for your own needs — sleeping bags, cooking and food supplies, and a way to charge your cell phone. Consider the purchase of a solar cell-phone charger, available at most electronic stores. However, one of the best ways to communicate is either with walkie-talkies over short distances or citizen band radios. Be aware that you may need a walkie-talkie license and you do not want to impede governmental officials or first responders by recklessly using the air waves during an emergency.

6. After the disaster has passed, plan to leave your animals in an evacuated place for a few days, if possible, while you repair or mitigate damage. Check gates and shelters, food and water supplies, pest control situations and other needs. Do this before your animals return because things can go bad fast while you are under pressure to return to normalcy. Also the ground may be saturated after a flood and not able to safely support the weight of large animals.

7. Stockpile emergency cleanup supplies — especially gloves, rubber boots and extra clothes — and know their location so you don't waste time looking for what you need.

Mel Borup Chandler works in real estate investment and property management with his wife Sandra. They both hold California real estate licenses. Mel's email address is mbccomentator@roadrunner.com.