Earthquakes can be devastating and we don't know when and where they might strike. Today, we'd like to discuss some tips on how to prepare for them and keep your feathered family safe if you ever find yourself dealing with an earthquake. If you're looking for information about other emergencies, please refer to our past posts on the topic on the Bird Street Bistro Parrot Blog.

General Considerations

As with most emergency situations, regardless of the emergency, it’s important to have the basics ready in case you need them. You can refer back to our previous posts on this subject for a more detailed list of important items and considerations. 

A few important items to have on hand in case of an earthquake include:

Earthquakes happen suddenly making it difficult to prepare before they strike. Depending on the severity of the quake, one might find themselves in a bit of a rumble where there’s some slight vibration, and then there's those that are devastatingly strong. Those can cause massive damage to buildings and to life. Even mild earthquakes can pose a danger to the birds in our house, so it’s good to have some information and be prepared in case they happen. The most immediate danger with earthquakes is physical harm due to falling objects and structural damage. There’s also the possibility of fire and landslides if the quake is severe enough.

At night, a bird is likely in their cage and that can offer some protection from falling debris if an earthquake occurs overnight. Also, if the bird panics and flaps around inside of the cage, it can still hurt itself but there isn’t that danger of flying into a wall or window. If the earthquake happens during the day, there is the possibility that the bird will panic and fly because it is trying to escape from the sudden shaking that occurs. There can also be loud noises and flickering lights, etc. that can frighten them. If you're able, try to get them into a carrier or their cage away from windows and potential falling objects. Know the safest parts of your space ahead of time, especially if you live in areas such as California where earthquakes are more common.

Severe Earthquakes

Most earthquakes that occur on any given day aren’t severe in nature. However, the shaking and noise that can occur will likely frighten the birds in a home. There is a very real possibility that if they are inside of their cages, that they will thrash around and injure themselves. If the birds are not in a cage when the earthquake occurs, they are in danger of being harmed by falling or shifting objects, structural damage, or by flying into a wall or object due to panic. Birds that are in outdoor aviaries or separate structures that sustain major damage can also become lost in the area if cage doors or walls are damaged. 

Here are some things to consider (not a complete list, but may be helpful to keep in mind):

Gas Leaks:

If natural gas is leaking, extended exposure to it can be deadly to birds and humans in the house. It can also lead to fire and explosions. You may also want to assess whether or not you need to shut off gas lines after an earthquake. Listen for leaks and see if  you can smell any gas in your home.  If you decide to turn it off, DO NOT turn it back on by yourself. You should contact your gas company to do so. Keep in mind that there may be delays in getting this done especially if the earthquake is severe and there is a lot of demand for assistance. Refrain from using open flames like matches or using switches for things like lights and fans, etc., until you know that there are no gas leaks. If you have any doubts at all, the gas company can come to your house and measure the levels in your home and look for possible leaks or risky areas. 

Electrical Concerns: 

Determine if there is loose wiring or other electrical dangers present. If you are able to safely do so, you may want to shut off power at the control box in your home if this is the case. If a bird is allowed to roam after a quake, it may come into contact with damaged wiring, so the safest place for them will likely be in their cage or carrier until you are sure it's safe. Do not touch or come into any contact with downed power lines if you decide to inspect outside. If there are water leaks in the house and loose wires there is a high risk of electric shock to you and your bird. It's better to keep them in their cage and allow them to be bored for awhile than risk any harm coming to them. 

Broken Glass & Debris:

Do not give your bird any food or water that may have broken glass or debris in it. Check supplies to make sure they are safe for your bird. Hopefully, you will have prepared by having a safe supply of food and water on hand. If you allow your bird to be out, inspect the area for broken glass and dangerous debris. Again, a bird should be kept in their cage if there is danger of them being harmed. This can also happen when objects shift and continue to fall after an earthquake. Make sure all objects are secured and that they can't fall on your bird. 

Aftershocks and Aftermath

After the initial earthquake there can be aftershocks, or smaller quakes that follow. Even though they will may seem less intense, they can still cause damage and injury. Depending on your specific situation and needs, it will likely be a good idea to leave your birds inside of their cage for safety. If any of the birds require the use of first aid, weigh the options when considering removing them and treating them. Remove anything from above the cage that could fall on top of them. It can also be a good idea to remove the toys around them that could become tangled with or or that are large enough to hurt them should they panic and flap around. Aftershocks can create movement and they can also become entangled in things like rope toys and bedding. Place towels in their cages if you are concerned that they are going to continue to thrash around as more quakes and things like loud sounds occur.

The aftermath of an earthquake can pose many challenges depending on the severity. As with other natural disasters, you will need to follow the instructions of your local agencies. I’ve included some information on how to handle evacuations and home safety following an emergency in our previous parts of this series located here: Bird Street Bistro Blog - Emergency Preparedness Part 2

Ensuring your family is safe should be your first priority. Please refer to official information about how to do so. When it comes to our parrots, other than providing immediate medical care or first aid, finding a place for them that is safe and free from dangerous odors, dust, and debris should be the primary concern. Some boarding facilities or rescues may offer a place for parrots to stay while you assess the damage to your home and other concerns. Be sure to take your bird’s medical and other information with you if you are able to do so as well as your identifying information. Even though it may be hard to focus on things such as contracts and agreements, if you choose to board your bird etc., creating a contract with the facility you choose is important in case there are disputes later. Keep photos of yourself and your bird as another way to prove ownership in case you need them. 

There is so much to cover about how to deal with the aftermath of an earthquake. That's why I am now going to include a link to The USGS (United States Geological Survey) website about how to handle some of the aftermath: What do I do AFTER an earthquake?

I hope the information we covered is helpful for you and helps you feel a little more prepared for the possibility of an earthquake if you've got birds in your home. In the meantime, we invite you to try one of our products like our new Organic Pre+Pro+Post Biotics Blend to see what we have to offer your bird to help contribute to their wellbeing. You might even consider keeping a bag of our parrot food on hand as part of your emergency kit! Just keep an eye on food expiration dates. 

From us to your flock, be safe and be healthy!