Emergency Preparedness and Care for Reptiles | Natural Disasters and Power Outages
When preparing for natural disasters and power outages, we often think about our human family and often our dogs and cats, but what about reptilian pets? Reptiles require specific and stable conditions to stay healthy, particularly temperature and humidity levels, so disruptions to these conditions during emergencies can be harmful and even fatal. You never know when disaster will strike, so it’s essential to be prepared to care for your scaly friends in the event of an emergency.
Here's a guide to ensuring your reptiles stay safe during natural disasters and power outages:
1. Have an Emergency Plan
Just like you’d plan for your family, make sure you have a plan for your reptiles too. Think about:
- Evacuation: If you need to evacuate your home, where will your reptiles go? Some shelters or hotels may not allow pets, so research animal-friendly options in advance. Keep a list of nearby friends or boarding facilities who may be able to help.
- Transport: Reptiles need secure, ventilated carriers for transportation. Ensure that the carrier is sturdy, escape-proof, and easy to clean. It is often better to go smaller rather than larger to reduce the risk of the animal becoming injured from sliding or bouncing around in transport. Opt for a container that allows the animal to turn around and raise their head, but is small enough for them to use their bodies to brace themselves. Fill empty space with paper towels or moss as padding.
- Identification: In case you get separated, ensure your reptiles have some form of identification on their carrier, such as a label with their name, your contact information, and their vet information.
Assemble a Reptile Emergency Kit
Creating an emergency kit for your reptiles ensures you have everything you need in case of sudden displacement or loss of resources. Keep your kit in a safe, accessible area nearby your reptile's enclosure so it is ready to go in the event of an emergency.
Your kit should include:
- Travel-sized carriers or Deli Cups: As mentioned above, for quick transportation.
- Heat sources: Since reptiles are cold-blooded and rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature, you’ll need an alternative heat source during a power outage or emergency transport in cold weather (below 55ºƒ, typically). Avoid heat sources that are known to be unstable like hot water bottles and Hot Hands. Instead, invest in reptile branded warmers like UniHeat and follow instructions on the wrapper to ensure safe usage. Always place a barrier (like a towel or newspaper) between the heat source and the reptile to prevent burns. Never allow the reptile or their container to come in direct contact with the heat pack. The ideal setup is the reptile/s deli cup/transport container within an insulated box or tub, padding of towels or news paper around the reptile's containers, and the heat source on the opposite side of the box.
It is safer to avoid using heat with heat sensitive species like crested geckos, and instead using a Cryopak in liquid state to help maintain an even temperature of 72ºƒ.
- Food and Water: Most adult reptiles can go at least one week without food as long as they have access to water. Oftentimes it is more dangerous to feed an animal when they are stressed and not properly heated than to risk regurgitation or improper digestion. Instead, focus on maintaining optimal hydration.
Bring a small bag of your reptile's diet (such as crested gecko diet for crested geckos or hay for tortoises) if you are unsure how long an evacuation order will last.
- Thermometer, Hygrometer, and Temp Gun: These help you monitor the temperature and humidity inside your reptile's temporary enclosure.
- Cleaning Supplies: Include paper towels, disinfectant, and trash bags to keep the enclosure clean while you're on the move.
Managing Stress in Reptiles
Natural disasters and power outages can be stressful not only for humans but for reptiles too. Avoid making these mistakes that could further increase stress:
- Handling: Keep handling to a minimum at this time. Allow your reptile to remain calm inside of their temporary quarters until the emergency is over.
- Sunlight: Make sure your reptile’s deli cup or temporary carrier can never be hit by sunlight. Even though the sun may only feel a bit warm to you, it can cause the transport containers to reach fatally hot temperatures within only a few minutes.
Plan for Power Outages
Power outages pose a significant challenge for reptile owners due to their reliance on heat lamps, UVB lights, and other equipment. Here's how to prepare:
- Battery Backup: Invest in a battery backup system for essential equipment like heat sources and thermostats. Batteries designed for camping (Brands such as Jackery or Anker) typically can power low wattage sources for days on a single charge, and some can be recharged using solar. Generators are also a wonderful option.
- Manual Heat/Cold Sources: As mentioned earlier, UniHeat 40 hour heat packs are great for short-term heating. Cold packs can be used to keep heat sensitive reptiles cooler in warmer areas. Cryopaks/phase change packs can be used to help maintain a safe buffer between heat/cold packs and reptile’s containers, and also used alone to aid in keeping transport boxes around 72ºƒ for heat sensitive reptiles and as a backup for moderate climate conditions. Keep plenty of these in your emergency kit.
Returning to Normal After the Disaster
Once the disaster has passed and conditions stabilize, monitor your reptile closely for signs of illness or distress. Make sure to:
- Gradually Reintroduce Normal Routines: Slowly return to your reptile's regular heating, lighting, and feeding schedule. Sudden changes in environment or diet can be stressful, so take it slow.
- Visit a Vet: If your reptile shows signs of illness—such as respiratory problems, lethargy, or changes in appetite—it’s best to consult a reptile veterinarian to rule out illness.
Being prepared for natural disasters and power outages can make all the difference in keeping your reptile healthy and safe. Planning ahead, having an emergency kit, and knowing how to reduce additional stress on your reptile will help you keep your scaly friends safe during emergencies. With these steps in place, you’ll have peace of mind that your reptiles are well cared for, no matter the circumstances.
