What do you do if the power goes out?

**Pareeeee** · 01-07-14, 07:35 AM

Worried with this blizzard warning. What do you do with your snakes if the power goes out and it's below-freezing temps outside? How do you make sure you don't lose your pets to the cold?

wrecker45 · 01-07-14, 07:51 AM

I start my generater.

dbank999 · 01-07-14, 07:55 AM

Three methods that I would use if it were to happen:

1) 72 hour hot packs used for shipping. Simple way to provide heat, wrap these in a small blanket and put them in a smaller temporary container with your cold blooded animal.

2)Heat up water if you can have a fire, or adequate heat source to do so. Put the water in a gallon jug and inside the enclosure to provide a heat source for the animal. The water in this method will need to be montinored closely to ensure that the water is changed with newer hot water before too low of temps occur. (obviously make sure the water isn't TOO hot when putting it in the container - *use a thermometer*)

3) Buy a generator

**Pareeeee** · 01-07-14, 08:10 AM

If I had a few hundred bucks kicking around I'd get a generator but I can't afford one. Normally, I would make the drive to my parent's house since they have a wood stove, but on days like this when driving is dangerous and roads are closed it makes me nervous.

Our neighbors have a generator though, I'm sure I could get some hot water.

Where do you order heat packs from?

Danimal · 01-07-14, 08:18 AM

I have 2 Kerosene heaters I have used for years. 1 is more than enough for a room.

**lady_bug87** · 01-07-14, 08:44 AM

If I can't make it to my moms house I get everything in snake bags and into a tub which I put by my fireplace

TheFrogman · 01-07-14, 08:47 AM

If you don't have a generator because maybe you live in am apartment or maybe you cant afford one, not everyone can, You animals will be ok for a day or two in the house with no power but what I did before I got my Genset was I wrapped all my enclosures in blankets, towels, pillows and it kept them warm enough until power can on or heat packs as dbank mentioned.

**Pareeeee** · 01-07-14, 09:15 AM

Thanks everyone, I was just realizing I didn't have an emergency plan in case anything goes wrong. Yes, I do live in an apartment but the kerosene heater thing sounds like it could work. How are they for carbon monoxide though? Are they safe?

dbank999 · 01-07-14, 09:55 AM

Depends on the type of kerosene heater, but most of them are indoor friendly. You can get one from Northern Tool & Supply for around 80 bucks.

Heat Packs:

Usually you can find these at any store that has an outdoor section, but I would prefer to order them online since you can get the ones meant for shipping reptiles. 72 hours.. 100*F..

Example:
25 Uniheat 72 Hour Shipping Warmer Heat Pack Reptile Plant Insect Egg Fish Chick | eBay

infernalis · 01-07-14, 11:15 AM

We have 2 propane heaters, deep cycle batteries and inverters.

Already had to use them, Freezing rain built up on the main lines 2 nights ago and pulled the power lines down. Took the electric company all night to restore service, The whole valley went dark.

CK SandBoas · 01-07-14, 05:12 PM

Before we had our generator installed this year, I used the 72 hour heat packs and placed them in with my snakes in their temporary holding tubs, wrapped in a towel or towels...

I still keep a hefty supply of them on hand, just in case

BIGT FROM F.B. · 01-09-14, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pareeeee

Worried with this blizzard warning. What do you do with your snakes if the power goes out and it's below-freezing temps outside? How do you make sure you don't lose your pets to the cold?

I was just wondering about the same thing. Down here in Atlanta, the temps were colder than Anchorage Alaska one day this past week. Gas pressure got so low in a few cities around here, everyone lost natural gas service. I will invest in these methods used too.