Protect Your Pets From Cold Weather
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Posted: 5:41 PM Dec 7, 2008
Protect Your Pets From Cold Weather
Amid holiday bustle, don't forget to care for pets
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As temperatures drop below freezing, a state agency reminds pet owners not to overlook their pets and livestock.

Yvonne Bellay is a spokeswoman for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. She says this is such a busy time of year that pet owners sometimes forget to take precautions for their animals.

Her reminder was prompted by news that a dog was left outside overnight in single-digit temperatures. Authorities say the "morbidly obese" collie froze to a Sheboygan sidewalk but survived because its fat provided insulation.

Among the agency's reminders:

-- Provide shelters large enough for easy movement but small enough to retain heat.

-- Provide water instead of forcing them to eat snow.

-- Don't leave pets in cars.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Eileen Location: Geoa,IL on Dec 13, 2008 at 09:48 AM

To Mark Henderson, I movd from Conover, WI a year ago. A while before I left I remember feeling very sad when my favorite weatherman announced he was leaving the Rhinelander station to accept a position in Rockford, IL. Although I don't remember his name(blame it on being 76 years old) I have been searching the Rockford coverage for him without success. I recently saw you on 23 and you look familiar. Have you worked for the Rhinelander station in the past? This has been nagging me every time I see you on TV. A devoted fan. ***Editor's note: Yes, Mark had worked previously in Rhinelander before coming to Rockford several years ago.
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FAMILY DISASTER PLAN
Families should be prepared for all hazards that could affect their area. NOAA’s National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the American Red Cross urge every family to develop a family disaster plan. Where will your family be when disaster strikes? They could be anywhere at work, at school, or in the car. How will you find each other? Will you know if your children are safe? Disaster may force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home. What would you do if basic services water, gas, electricity, or telephones were cut off?

Follow these basic steps to develop a family disaster plan...

  • Gather information about hazards.
    Contact your local National Weather Service office, emergency management office, and American Red Cross chapter. Find out what type of disasters could occur and how you should respond. Learn your community’s warning signals and evacuation plans.

  • Meet with your family to create a plan.
    Discuss the information you have gathered. Pick two places to meet: a spot outside your home for an emergency, such as fire, and a place away from your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Choose an out-of-state friend as your family check-in contact for everyone to call if the family gets separated. Discuss what you would do if advised to evacuate.

  • Implement your plan.
    (1) Post emergency telephone numbers by phones;(2) Install safety features in your house, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers; (3) Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as items that can move, fall, break, or catch fire) and correct them; (4) Have your family learn basic safety measures, such as CPR and first aid; how to use a fire extinguisher; and how and when to turn off water, gas, and electricity in your home; (5) Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services number; (6) Keep enough supplies in your home to meet your needs for at least three days. Assemble a disaster supplies kit with items you may need in case of an evacuation. Store these supplies in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers, such as backpacks or duffle bags. Keep important family documents in a waterproof container. Keep a smaller disaster supplies kit in the trunk of your car.

  • A DISASTER SUPPLIES KIT SHOULD INCLUDE: A 3-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and food that won’t spoil one change of clothing and footwear per person one blanket or sleeping bag per person a first aid kit, including prescription medicines emergency tools, including a battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and a portable radio, flashlight, and plenty of extra batteries an extra set of car keys and a credit card or cash special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.

  • Practice and maintain your plan. Ask questions to make sure your family remembers meeting places, phone numbers, and safety rules. Conduct drills. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries two times each year. Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer’s instructions. Replace stored water and food every 6 months. Contact your local National Weather Service office, American Red Cross chapter, or local office of emergency management for a copy of “Your Family Disaster Plan” (L-191/ARC4466).