Jet, my foster mom, just took my buddy Nokona to Oklahoma. One day earlier the plains and cities of Oklahoma were hit by tornados scampering across buildings, cars and such. Tornadoes are common in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma this time of year. They are seriously dangerous.
For those of you unaware of how deadly these turbulent beasts are (worse than the most terrible attack dog), please see the tornado footage in the link below.
In the last couple of years, two dogs have been sucked up by a tornado – and lived! Such amazing stories give me hope but I prefer preparation.
Humans, we depend on you to take care of us so you need to know what to do if a tornado is imminent (new word of the day). FEMA has a cool “What to do…” chart that your parents must review with all the family. (See below.) Family pets should also be in attendance.
| If you are in: | Then: |
|---|---|
| A structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building) | Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows. |
| A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home | Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes. |
| The outside with no shelter | Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location. Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter. Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries. |
Which brings me to my lesson today.
Life is full of storms. Sometimes they come in the form of a giant, black funnel that takes you away to places like OZ. Other times, they come in the form of a car accident or lost job or, if you’re a dog, a lost bone. My advice is to huddle up with your family in a safe place (in all storms).
Okay, here’s the question of the day from Ajax who asked: I asked my mom and dad for a tornado and they looked at me like I had too much of that human happy juice my old auntie calls vodka.
Dear Ajax:
I know exactly what you’re talking about. It’s a cool toy called Dog Tornado. Dog pals, check it out at the link and photo below. First, you have to move the bones and then move the revolving sections to get to… the treats! It’s a pet puzzle with benefits.
To send in your pet's question, photos and videos, click here.
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