Tornado procedure refresher! +other emergency plans

[Drago]

Now for what you've all been waiting for... power outages! Note that I do go a bit in depth on torpor. I'd like to give thanks to a close friend of mine and her veterinary practice for the tips on dealing with torpor

Power outage emergencies


In the US alone, the average citizen will lose about 100 hours of power each year to storms and natural disasters, which means it's always smart to be prepared for this kind of event- especially come winter when the temps drop dangerously low for hamsters. That's not all though, according to a survey completed by US electric and other similar companies "American upper Midwest lose power for an average 92 minutes per year, and customers in the upper Northwest lose power for an average 214 minutes per year, according to Amin’s analysis. Those estimates exclude extreme events like severe storms and fires, though those have been increasing the past two decades." This may not seem alarming, but in the dead of winter, a hamster is extremely susceptible to entering a state similar to hibernation (though not quite the same as hibernation is seasonal and often has to do with changes in light)) known as "torpor". If the temperature drops below 55°-60° Fahrenheit (12.7°-15.5° Celsius) hamsters are extremely likely to enter this state. However, even just sudden changes in temps can trigger this response as well as a combination of cold and lack of food. Torpor has some positive effects on hamsters, but most are negative and can harm your hamster so torpor should be prevented if at all possible. Cold puts stress on the immune system which in turn, can lead to illness. Besides that, there is a chance that your hamster may end up not waking up from it. This is why, if you know snow is on it's way, you should stock up!

Ways to prevent your hamster from entering a state of torpor

-place a blanket/towel over your hamster's cage (leave some room for ventilation) though this will cut off ventilation, you'll want to ensure you do this to keep warmth in and cold out!
-increase bedding, your hamster will burrow and create a nest to keep warm
-increase food dramatically. Studies have shown that hamsters who were given extra food, were less likely to enter a state of torpor https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/28417150/
-add insulation wrap to sides of glass tanks (do not on cages to avoid ingestion)
-add hand warmers or battery powered heat mats around the edges of the cage
-use a battery operated or rechargeable space heater
-use your heat! If all else fails, you can act as a human hot water bottle

What to do if your hamster has already entered torpor

-add extra food into the cage if you haven't already. This should encourage them to wake
-slowly warm the room they are in up using a battery powered space heater
-be patient and try everything in your power to get your hamster awake

Remember not to force them up or suddenly raise temperatures. This could cause stress or even death! Allow them to wake naturally to a gradually warming room

After your hamster has woken up
-offer a rehydration formula
3/4 parts sugar
1/4 parts salt
X amount of warm water

If you cannot create a homemade rehydration formula, you can use pedialyte to get fluids and electrolytes back into them
If neither of the above solutions are available, your last resort can be plain Gatorade. However, this should be an absolute last resort as Gatorade is full of dyes, preservatives, and chemicals. However, many vets and rescues swear by it so it is safe for occasional use. Remember that plain water will not suffice! You need to restore electrolytes as well in order for your hamster to rehydrate. Rehydrating them after they've gone into torpor is crucial. If they've been in for long enough that they've become severely dehydrated, you need to mix up one of the above solutions and give them 1-2 milliliters via a syringe. Give them a few drops through the SIDE of the mouth every 5-10 minutes. If all else fails, they will need to be taken to a vet for subcutaneous fluids.

Supplies needed for a power outage

-several gallons of clean drinking water
-supplies for RF
-one to two bags of food (as getting to a store in snow storms may be difficult)
-insulating wrap
-extra bedding
-hand warmers
-battery operated heating pads
-battery powered space heaters
-batteries!


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Make sure to prepare for yourself as well! Stock up on food, especially non-perishable items and remember that you may be without power for several days. You may find it handy to write down the numbers of your local vet, doctor, and other important facilities so that you can contact them via landline. Good luck everyone and stay safe x