-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

On Sat, 14 Aug 2004 10:42:08 -0500, "MaryL"
-OUT-THE-LITTER wrote:


"Lots42 The Library Avenger" wrote in
message ...
Harvey was destined to be right in the way of Charley's storm
surge, along
with
his doggy pals but everyone came through unscathed.

So...anyone know WTF the deal is with animal shelters hurricane
wise? I
have
absolutely no damn clue.
--
Willow: Then talk. Keep eye contact. Funny is good, but don't be
glib. And remember, if you hurt her, I will beat you to death with
a shovel. A vague disclaimer is nobody's friend. Have fun.



I can't answer your question about shelters in the direct path of a
hurricane because we are too far north for a direct hit
(fortunately). However, we had major flooding on a couple of
occasions as a result of an "extended area" north of the hurricane.
On at least occasions, the animal shelter flooded shelter personnel
literally saved the occupants by getting into the shelter in
rowboats. They placed cats and dogs in carriers, rowed out, and
transferred the carriers to others who took them either to local
vets or to "safe havens" that various people provided. The water
rose and it became clear that they would not be able to do this for
all animals, so they then opened doors on holding pens to permit the
occupants to get out. This definitely was not ideal, but it saved a
lot of cats and dogs. The city built a new animal shelter this year
-- on high ground, so this should not be a problem in the future.
Incidentally, people fleeing from
hurricanes also seek shelter here. The university often opens
dormitories, and public schools use auditoriums and other
facilities.

As I recall, the forecast called for a ten-to-fourteen-foot storm
surge from Hurricane Charlie, and, since the Gulf coast is so flat,
this would likely reach inland for miles. I haven't been through a
hurricane, but I have been through river flooding after prolonged
rain, and have a lot of respect for how much damage it can do.

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: PGPfreeware 7.0.3 for non-commercial use http://www.pgp.com

iQA/AwUBQR5s1jMYPge5L34aEQLr8QCfZJeYJXgY3f4HpobUOFLnmX apNhwAoIut
nLw0a7mwr1+6tqIjKgtgrw0I
=GtdE
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

--
John F. Eldredge --
PGP key available from http://pgp.mit.edu
"Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better
than not to think at all." -- Hypatia of Alexandria