Have you ever had to stay in a storm shelter?

[Little Star]

I haven't. Never really gave it much thought either. Here is some information that I found that may be a day late and a dollar short for Irene but it's still good to know.

Hurricane Shelters 101:

Usually schools or other solidly constructed buildings that provide a large, safe area.
Should always be considered a last resort if relatives or friends are not available
Tend to lack many comforts such as bedding, pillows and food - so bring your own.
Space can be limited- leave ASAP if your home is vulnerable and under evacuation order
Locations can change from year to year - keep informed through television, radio and the Internet
Be prepared to live with strangers in close quarters for the duration of the storm
Daycare is not provided - supervise your children
Most shelters allow pets in cages

What to bring?
Water
Food
Clothing and bedding
Personal items
Medications
First-aid supplies,
Important papers
Miscellaneous items like: games, toys, books, battery powered radios, flashlights, batteries

Other Tips
Be ready to set up a home away from home
Take a shower and eat before leaving home
Register immediately upon entering the shelter
Obey shelter rules

[Ruby the Liberal]

1. ALWAYS check the pet policy before heading to a shelter with fur babies

It is a recent thing that they started allowing pets, many still don't, and of those that do, they may have breed restrictions.

[customerserviceguy]

2. I've noticed that on the news

I thought most makeshift shelters did not allow pets. Frankly, I expect that to be a great source of tension for those in the shelter, as the pet cannot be taken out of the crates for 'relief' purposes. You'll have arguments between the allergic and the pet owners, and then everybody else who doesn't like the smell of pet poo in their immediate vicinity.

Frankly, I expect half the injuries in NYC to be from shelter 'discussions'.

[Ruby the Liberal]

4. Its a tough call.

They want people to heed evacuation warnings, but like you said, there are major issues with allowing pets in shelters.

Then again, there were hundreds upon hundreds of pets abandoned in Katrina.

For my own safety (and the safety of my fur baby), I would just have to bite the bullet and charge a hotel room in an evac and pay it off when I could. I think taking her to a shelter with so many freaked out animals would send her over the bend.

[itsrobert]

3. Now that they are allowing people's pets

I might think otherwise at staying at a shelter.

Having a bunch of animals in close quarters can get pretty raunchy.

[Little Star]

7. I'm with you on that one. Gross.

I'm scared to admit that here on DU. :scared:

[XemaSab]

8. One would hope that the pet carriers could be in another room

away from the people, otherwise that is teh gross. :(

[Warpy]

5. I've never been rich enough to have an ocean view, so no

but when I was seven, they brought us into school thinking we'd be safer in a solid, brick building than the cheesy little tract houses we all lived in.

Then all the old oak trees around the school started to fall on top of it.

Fun times, hurricanes.

[ashling]

6. Never had to stay in one

I have only set them up