In recent years, hurricanes have devastated the Gulf states, bringing with them the loss of homes, property damage, flooding, and loss of power, and the worst imaginable, loss of life.

During the winter months, some parts of the country have problems with heavy snowstorms, wind, blizzard conditions, and yes, more power outages. Be it dangerous weather conditions, fire, or natural disaster, unfortunately there are times we must deal with emergencies.

During the hurricanes, many of our users were not only terribly concerned about the safety of their families, but also had concerns regarding their animals. One of the most asked questions was “What should we do to keep our lizards warm, if power outages occur for long periods of time”? Here are some things you can do to help keep your reptiles safe.

Essentials

1. FOOD - Make sure you have extra food available, feeder bugs ordered in advance if warned of damaging storms. Make sure you have plenty of ice on hand, to keep frozen foods, or refrigerated foods (vegetables, fruits) from spoiling, in the event you lose power. Have a cooler filled!

Cold packs can also be purchased, for keeping foods cold.

2. WATER - Always have bottled emergency water, for drinking, misting, for quick clean-ups, whatever. Empty 2 litter soda bottles, empty plastic milk containers, any airtight container will work. Water is a MUST!

DECHLORINATED water- I, like a lot of people here, also keep frogs. So don’t forget a few bottles of treated water for out froggie friends, for hydrating, and misting!

3. HEAT - If power is lost for a brief time, they should be fine. But if power is lost for extended periods of time you will have to provide some heat in order for your reptiles to be able to eat and digest their food.

Always have heat packs available, 35 - 40 hour heat packs should be used. Heat packs can only be used once. They are chemically activated. As soon as they are opened and exposed to the air, you shake them, they react with oxygen to generate the heat. The sides of the pack can be taped only enough to secure to the container; don't allow the pack to just lie on the bottom of reptile container. Its purpose is to change the temperature of the air inside, not to heat the reptile itself.

Hand warmers, seen at stores such as K-Mart, are NOT sufficient for this purpose.

4. EMERGENCY CONTAINERS- or enclosures for lizards, snakes or frogs. If you live in a warm climate and keep your reptiles outside, hazardous weather may force you to bring them in. You must have containers available if you have to move your herps to a safe room, different area in your home, or be forced to take them elsewhere.

Rubber maid containers with screen lids (pre-made by you) or at least holes in lid for ventilation and breathing are lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to move, and work well for short periods.

Pillowcases are a great way to move snakes, or some lizards, in a hurry. Either knot the fabric or rubber band the top shut.

You may want to have old newspaper or paper towels available for lining the bottom of temporary enclosure, and also for needed clean-ups. Plastic trash bags may be a good idea also for waste disposal. Smells may begin to get overwhelming.

Just a final note, PLEASE Stay safe. If you see a category 4 or 5 hurricane coming your way Get your family and Pets (if possible) and GET OUT OF DODGE. Our thoughts are with you all, please take the necessary precautions.

For more information on Emergency Preparedness for all of your pets please click here.