Although any time of year can have weather-related emergencies, spring and early summer often bring tornados, floods, severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes, and extended power outages, or even early hurricanes for some areas of the US. See the link below for information and help on creating your own bird first aid kit.
If your bird is easily frightened by thunderstorms, placing your bird in a carrier or small sized travel cage and covering such, can help provide the security feeling your bird may need. Placing your bird in the carrier or cage before the weather gets bad can also be especially helpful. During the storm you may be dealing with a very stressed or panicked bird who might try and fly away from you, or bite in fear. A carrier can be a lifesaver for your bird if you need to move quickly to an interior room in your home, to a storm shelter, or even evacuate during dangerous weather events. Emergency items can be store year-round inside the carrier so everything is handy and always ready when you need it.
Since some birds may relate a carrier to not so good events such as vet visits it may be helpful to begin early training with your bird that his or her carrier can be a really cool place to hang out too. Make the carrier available to your bird often throughout the year with treats and favorite toys inside. Encourage your bird to forage for treats inside the carrier as well as fun small toy items often.
Letting your bird play on the carrier or forage and play inside throughout the year will help the bird feel safe and secure when you need to quickly put the bird into the carrier during an emergency. The bird is much less likely to panic if the bird thinks of the carrier or cage as a fun place to be.
It's always a very good idea to have a towel stored with your carrier supplies in the event your bird never learns to like the carrier, as it can be used a quick wrap to move your bird from cage to carrier. Don't worry about removing the towel, just deposit bird and towel into the carrier.
Although my article refers to birds, the same safety rules can be applied to your other family members whether dogs, cats, or other small furry ones. Also remember to have fresh batteries in a flashlight, always. For more great information on being prepared for emergencies, and a list of items you may want to include, please click the links below.
If you don't already have an emergency bag or kit of some kind, then definitely it's time to get things organized for the "just in case" situation. Being prepared ahead of time can be key to avoiding a lot of worries and can help keep both you and your bird safe during any weather emergency.
As some of us too well know, those power outages can last from hours to days depending on the severity of the storms, so it's always good to have some extra non-perishable bird food on hand for such an event. Don't forget to include a few bottles of water, as well. A few rolls of paper towels, and a bird first aid kit with be a great benefit. If you don't have a smartphone with a flashlight app, you can include an inexpensive flashlight with extra batteries. Make sure to have either a carrier or small travel cage and a thick towel or cover. Having some fresh favorite fruits or treats on hand can provide some quick energy nutrition as well as providing a distraction for an upset bird.
Birds pick up quickly on human emotion and if you are nervous or stressed by the weather even, then even the bird that is usually a sweetheart, may be nippier than usual and avoiding the bite will benefit both you and your bird. The towel in the carrier may also provide a snuggle place or even an object to nip at instead of you.
Please share with us if there is a must-have item for your severe weather emergency kit not already mentioned.
Create your own Emergency Bird Kit