Last year, I think I prepared well for the hurricanes.  I had food, water
and emergency supplies to last awhile.  I figured we could take my mother
and the ferrets to a hotel for the after-storm period where the air
conditioning/electricity was out.  I didn't count on so many people being
displaced from other areas or the emergency workers arriving - both
groups desparately needing hotel rooms!
 
While a friend with electricity took my mother in, my ferrets were not
welcome with her pets.  I immediately went to my vets office and asked if
they could board my ferrets for a couple of days.  Afterall, my vet has
ferrets - she'd understand completely, right?!  Well, no.  I was told by
the Village Animal Hospital on Palm Bay Road in Palm Bay, FL that they
didn't board and had no room for my fuzzies.  They suggested I take them
to a canine "resort"/kennel - but they weren't sure if they'd take in
ferrets, if they even had electricity or if they survived the hurricane!
Basically, I was told to get my ferrets out of the vet's office!!
 
I did find a friend of a friend who had electricity (A/C) who kept my
ferts for two days - until we got electricity back.  Luckily, it was done
quickly - because this nice person had never seen ferrets before and was
a bit wary of "caring" for them!
 
So-please take care in preparing for weather emergencies!  Remember that
after-storm recovery periods must be considered BEFORE the storm!  Don't
count on your vet or a friend - make sure you ask before you need them.
Have a back-up plan.  And, if you are so lucky to survive without damage,
be kind enough to offer temporary homes to others not so fortunate!
[Posted in FML issue 4905]