Unfortunately, natural disasters are inevitable. Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes are a regular occurrence all around the world. It’s important to keep yourself safe in these situations, but many people don’t think about the safety of their pets until it’s too late. There are a few ways you can help yourself prepare for a disaster with your pet, and get through that disaster safely.
Have a smaller travel cage easily accessible: It’s vital with a rodent like a gerbil that you have a travel cage within your home. It is difficult to move a large gerbil habitat quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency. Having an appropriately sized travel cage could very well save your pet’s life. Travel rodent cages are sold online and at many pet stores. Small plastic containers with vent holes in the lids can also work if you're in a pinch. Consider lining the inside with a towel or hay to absorb messes to prevent your gerbil from slipping around. Cages should also be equipped with two dishes securely attached to the side for food and water.
Have 2 weeks worth of food available: During natural disasters we often prepare by buying bottled water (make sure you have enough for your pet too!). But we often don’t consider what our pets will need. If you are preparing for a storm like a hurricane or flood, make sure you have at least 2 weeks of food available for your gerbil.
Move gerbil to cage and bring to centralized part of the home: If you are preparing to weather through a natural disaster like a flood, hurricane, or strong storm- move your gerbil to a centralized part of the home. You will want to keep your pet in an area where you can easily supervise them and get to them in case of an emergency.
Keep pet's habitat away from windows and doors: During any natural disaster you should make an effort to immediately move your gerbil's cage away from any windows or doors leading outside. Strong winds and debris can break open glass or blow open doors. Both of these hazards can have fatal effect if a gerbil is left close enough to them. Strong drafts and the noise of a loud storm can also cause more unnecessary stress on your gerbil.
Cover three sides of the cage if your gerbil seems nervous: Most animals will become very nervous during a natural disaster. The loud sounds and general anxiety of others in the household can be very unnerving. If your gerbil seems especially anxious, you can help them feel more secure by covering three sides of their cage (leaving one side open so you can still supervise and calm them). By covering three sides of the cage you help your gerbil feel more hidden and protected from the storm.
Avoid out-of-cage play during bad and loud weather: Although time outside of the cage is highly encouraged, during a bad storm it’s actually best your gerbil stays in a place where they are sure to be safe. If you need to quickly access your gerbil in case of an evacuation- the easiest way to do that will be to retrieve them from the cage. They are also less likely to get scared and quickly run and possibly hurt themselves during a startling loud noise from the storm.
Play other natural noise during strong winds: Sometimes ‘blocking out’ the noise outside can help soothe your gerbil. If the howling winds and booming thunder seem to be causing stress on your furry friend, try playing some other ‘normal’ noise. A television, radio, or music that your pet is accustomed to can help take away their attention from the sounds of the weather.
Do not leave cage unattended: If possible, do not leave your gerbil unattended during the storm. Supervising them and ensuring that they are not getting startled, are eating, drinking, and are not shaking will help you ensure that they are getting through the storm without too many nerves.
Do not keep cage near standing water during a flood: In the case of a flood, move your gerbil's cage to the highest possible part of the home. If you do not have a second story, consider putting your gerbil in their travel cage and moving them to the top of a table or bookcase. Do not leave your gerbil in a cage in standing water; not only do you risk your gerbil drowning- the water is very unsanitary and you run the risk of your gerbil becoming very ill. Keeping them dry and warm is vital during a flood.
If you evacuate: If you do evacuate your home (whether it’s before, during, or after the storm), try to be prepared. Have at least 5 to 6 days of food packed with you. If you can also try to place on familiar hideaway hut in your gerbil's travel cage as well as one of their favorite toys. Amidst all of the stress, these familiar items can help your pet feel like they are a bit more at ‘home’ in the chaos.
Contact local rescues in your area if you need a temporary foster: We understand that sometimes bringing your beloved furry friend with you just is not possible. If you do not think you can evacuate your pet or supply them an adequately safe place to reside during the storm; consider contacting a local shelter. During natural disasters many local shelters take in temporary fosters and supply them with a safe, well-maintained temporary home until the storm has passed.
Have a smaller travel cage easily accessible: It’s vital with a rodent like a gerbil that you have a travel cage within your home. It is difficult to move a large gerbil habitat quickly and efficiently in the case of an emergency. Having an appropriately sized travel cage could very well save your pet’s life. Travel rodent cages are sold online and at many pet stores. Small plastic containers with vent holes in the lids can also work if you're in a pinch. Consider lining the inside with a towel or hay to absorb messes to prevent your gerbil from slipping around. Cages should also be equipped with two dishes securely attached to the side for food and water.
Have 2 weeks worth of food available: During natural disasters we often prepare by buying bottled water (make sure you have enough for your pet too!). But we often don’t consider what our pets will need. If you are preparing for a storm like a hurricane or flood, make sure you have at least 2 weeks of food available for your gerbil.
Move gerbil to cage and bring to centralized part of the home: If you are preparing to weather through a natural disaster like a flood, hurricane, or strong storm- move your gerbil to a centralized part of the home. You will want to keep your pet in an area where you can easily supervise them and get to them in case of an emergency.
Keep pet's habitat away from windows and doors: During any natural disaster you should make an effort to immediately move your gerbil's cage away from any windows or doors leading outside. Strong winds and debris can break open glass or blow open doors. Both of these hazards can have fatal effect if a gerbil is left close enough to them. Strong drafts and the noise of a loud storm can also cause more unnecessary stress on your gerbil.
Cover three sides of the cage if your gerbil seems nervous: Most animals will become very nervous during a natural disaster. The loud sounds and general anxiety of others in the household can be very unnerving. If your gerbil seems especially anxious, you can help them feel more secure by covering three sides of their cage (leaving one side open so you can still supervise and calm them). By covering three sides of the cage you help your gerbil feel more hidden and protected from the storm.
Avoid out-of-cage play during bad and loud weather: Although time outside of the cage is highly encouraged, during a bad storm it’s actually best your gerbil stays in a place where they are sure to be safe. If you need to quickly access your gerbil in case of an evacuation- the easiest way to do that will be to retrieve them from the cage. They are also less likely to get scared and quickly run and possibly hurt themselves during a startling loud noise from the storm.
Play other natural noise during strong winds: Sometimes ‘blocking out’ the noise outside can help soothe your gerbil. If the howling winds and booming thunder seem to be causing stress on your furry friend, try playing some other ‘normal’ noise. A television, radio, or music that your pet is accustomed to can help take away their attention from the sounds of the weather.
Do not leave cage unattended: If possible, do not leave your gerbil unattended during the storm. Supervising them and ensuring that they are not getting startled, are eating, drinking, and are not shaking will help you ensure that they are getting through the storm without too many nerves.
Do not keep cage near standing water during a flood: In the case of a flood, move your gerbil's cage to the highest possible part of the home. If you do not have a second story, consider putting your gerbil in their travel cage and moving them to the top of a table or bookcase. Do not leave your gerbil in a cage in standing water; not only do you risk your gerbil drowning- the water is very unsanitary and you run the risk of your gerbil becoming very ill. Keeping them dry and warm is vital during a flood.
If you evacuate: If you do evacuate your home (whether it’s before, during, or after the storm), try to be prepared. Have at least 5 to 6 days of food packed with you. If you can also try to place on familiar hideaway hut in your gerbil's travel cage as well as one of their favorite toys. Amidst all of the stress, these familiar items can help your pet feel like they are a bit more at ‘home’ in the chaos.
Contact local rescues in your area if you need a temporary foster: We understand that sometimes bringing your beloved furry friend with you just is not possible. If you do not think you can evacuate your pet or supply them an adequately safe place to reside during the storm; consider contacting a local shelter. During natural disasters many local shelters take in temporary fosters and supply them with a safe, well-maintained temporary home until the storm has passed.