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5 Disaster Tips for Pet Owners

5 Disaster Tips for Pet Owners

Anyone who knows me knows I adore my dogs they are family to us.   Both Lloyd my Doberman and Grundy my bulldog are a huge part of our house hold.  They determine many things from weekend get-aways length we stay because they might destroy my home. Whom will be able to stay with my babies when we are gone,  also the fact I only own leather furniture because I like them to join me sitting on the couch.  The thought of a natural disaster displacing part of my family away from us makes me very anxious.  Purina asked me to participate in a goggle talk recently which I was compensated for in exchange for this post .  The purpose of the talk was to learn more about  Disaster Tips for Pet Owners.

The talk was fascinating because as a pet owner I never think about “A Plan” for my pets. Think about it??  What would you do if something major happens? You worry and know what you will do with your children.  What about your furry babies?  Purina helps respond to natural disasters in the United States that seriously disrupt the functioning of communities causing animals harm and distress. In the United States in 2015 Purina donated $31.5 million worth of pet food, pet supplies and monetary contributions to pet-related charities and other community organizations across the country.  For more information please visit purina.com

What did I learn from the Disaster Pet  talk ?

Dr. Kurt Venator, Purina Veterinarian was the leader of the talk answering  all our questions.

1st Basic things,  I would not think about like that wet pet food is better then dry to keep in a pet disaster kit because it is more stable and not subjected going spoiled if the can gets wet.  He also informed us that you should have an extra collar and leash, just in case.   It is imported to  keep an extra set of the animals records in the pet disaster kit and in your important papers.

Do you know what local hotels with in a 2 hour radius would take your animal, how about if local shelters can they help you if your dog was not able to come with.. good questions I never thought about.

I loved the idea that I don’t know if many people with cats think of:  Try leaving your cat carrier out so that your cats get use to going in the Cat carrier on a regularly basis.. My old cat hated the carrier and cried every-time he went it to the vet.  Having a cat use to the carrier daily can cut down on the animals anxiety about being transported.

The Dr also addressed my concern with a bulldog.  Most can’t swim English Bulldogs are top heavy so a life jacket for your dog can also be important if you are in a flood prone or water area.

 

purina_3452

 

5 Disaster Tips for Pet Owners

  1. Know the common natural disasters that can occur: Though pet owners should try to be prepared for all types of emergencies if possible, depending on which U.S. region you reside in, there are certain natural disasters that are more common than others. For example, hurricanes and cyclones are more likely to occur if you live near the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic Coast, and tornadoes mainly hit areas like Kansas or Iowa in the Midwest. The West coast typically experiences wildfires and flash flooding can take place in certain areas across the U.S. – such as the Southwest – after large storms. If you live in a region where hurricanes are common, it’s important to understand the elevation level of your property and whether it is prone to floods. This will help you understand how your property will be affected when a hurricane hits and can help you prepare a plan in advance for your pets.
  2. Prep your home and pet: The first step to preparing your pet for a natural disaster is to make sure that he or she is wearing a securely fastened collar with up-to-date identification in case you become separated during a natural disaster. Pet owners can consider having their pet microchipped to assure that the pet can be identified and found via an electronic device as well. To prepare your home for natural disasters, talk to your local veterinarian who can provide waterproof, “Pets Inside” stickers that you can place on the front and back door of your house to alert rescuers that there are pets inside your home. In the case of a hurricane, try to cover all of your windows with permanent storm shutters or marine plywood and keep your pet away from them while the hurricane is passing through.
  3. Prepare a disaster kit: Your pet disaster kit should include basic pet essentials such as bottled water, cans of wet food, blankets, collapsible bowls, cat litter and pan, and a leash and collar. A one-to-two-week supply of food that your pet usually eats is an ideal amount to include in your disaster kit, however make sure to replace the food according to the expiration dates. Have photos of your pet on-hand in case you need to distribute pictures if your pet gets lost and make sure to include any important paperwork pertaining to your pet (e.g. vaccine records/medical history, veterinary contact information, medications list and emergency contacts). Finally, be sure to include a basic pet first-aid kit in your disaster kit.
  4. Develop an evacuation plan: Do your research and save precious evacuation time by identifying possible locations where you can take your animals should you have to evacuate. These locations can include animal shelters, veterinary clinics or even pet-friendly hotels where you and your pet can find relief until the disaster passes. Keeping your dog’s medical records on-hand is vital since some pet-friendly emergency relief centers require proof of vaccinations in order for your pet to stay there.
  5. Recruit friends and neighbors: It’s also important to consider creating a buddy system with your neighbor, family or friend who can look out for your pet in case you are not home when a disaster strikes. Add this person to your veterinarian’s emergency contact list of people who have authority to approve necessary emergency treatments if you can’t be reached. Also, identify places where you can leave your pet while you are out of town to avoid leaving your pet alone. Always let your pet sitter and back-up person know where your pet’s disaster kit is stored in case of an emergency.

Be sure to pin this post  to Pinterest so you can refer to it when you build your Pet Disaster kit!

 

5 Disaster Tips for Pet Owners

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post by Purina. My opinion are my own and I am sharing information that I feel is important.

 

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How to take pictures of runners for beginners

How to take pictures of runners for beginners

How to take pictures of runners for beginners : I was asked to photography a 5 K run this weekend.  Normally I do more posed portraits and  I love doing them.  I was not sure I could get the essence of the runners as they worked and showed there athletic ablity.   At the bottom of the post are my tips for you to get those cant miss shots of your family and friends in action in all those 5K and marathons.

kids running

I am not the most athletic person, when  I went  running down the hill after them at the start in 85+ degree heat was panting like a dog.  I was more then happy when they left  for the course and I could pick my spot from where to capture the finish.  The race event was a summer soaker 5K so wet and fun as everyone got sprayed by a fire truck.   My finish location was downwind of the fire truck was nice, loved the overspray.

boy running

I took 571 pictures and only a few were duds.  I loved shooting everyone as they ran through to the finish.

How to take pictures of runners for beginners :

  • To get the action shots I focused on the Stomach of the athletes, faces are hard to shoot on moving targets.  Make sure camera is focus to avoid blurry pictures.
  • Take test shots  and check them of other runners to make sure you get the best shot of your runner.. If you runner might win find someone to stand at a location they might come across the finish.. the Fast runners Take 17-18mins so you have a few minutes to set up
  • Use eye visual and not digital screen if your camera has one.. looking through the hole will always take better shoots then viewing through digital screen
  • If you can rest you elbows on your chest/stomach it will stabilize your picture rather then extending your arms and holding camera away from your body.  (squeeze you boob together)   This will help with blurry photos. (if you have a tripod even better)
  • Use a fixed lens rather then a lens you have to zoom in at out, a variable lens slows down the focus time I used my fixed  50MM Nikon lens.
  • Find a Position for you to stand that is close but not in runners way
  • Take the picture on a large format (aka High resolution high Pixels) this allows you the best large quality for cropping (set camera for “Fine” in menu)
  • Set camera for fast pictures –  Use the preset “action” Mode on the camera (the little guy running icon on dial) or a quick shutter speed 800
  • Take Multiple shots hold the shutter (the silver button down) of set for multi photos. You can always delete later

 

kids playing in water

Have a great time shooting and Have a great week!

 

 

Photography Tips and Samsung Galaxy Studio #TheNextBigThing

photo TipsPhotography Tips:   Yesterday I attended the Samsung TheNextBigThing event at Samsung Galaxy Studio Soho NYC Pop up shop.  It was a great event we were able to check out the new products that Samsung has available this holiday season.   Check out the video at the end of my post for Samsung PopUp Shop experience. During the event we got to listen to National Geographic Photographer Ira Block.  Ira has been using and taking some amazing photography with the Samsung S4 Zoom, which he used during his presentation.  He was also gracious enough to share his tips for getting those amazing pictures.   Ira said it is all about the “moments” you capture that make the shot beautiful.   I really want to focus on this more in my own photography so I am taking many of his tips to heart.

Ira block

Ira Block’s  Photography  Tips for getting that Great Photography:

 

 General Photo Tips :

  • Have a camera.. a Phone /Camera like the S4 is a great option
  • Don’t look at pictures while taking photos .. just shoot.. if you look you might miss the moment  missing moments.
  • Many angles
  • Don’t point and shoot .. think about the  shot and decide where to shoot
  • Choosing Moment capture
  • Composition
  • Really Interesting light
  • Take Many photos do not look while you are shooting.. dont be afraid to take 20-30 shots  (my tip if camera is set up correctly.. make sure exposure is not messed up prior to shooting )

Travel Photography Tips:

 

  • Fore ground to give dimension.. so remember to focus on one point.. if you have no fore ground the picture will no have the details you want.
  • Put people in your architecture shots,  it add an interest and a moment in time reference.
  • Do buy a flexible small tripod that you can throw in a bag to stead a shot when needed

Portraits Photography Tips:

 

  • Don’t take a direct sun
  • Do backlight-  turn on a light behind the subject
  • Look at background.. make sure it does not distract from photo
  • Think background first and then the person
  • Shadows are good they make people look 3 dimensional and less flat,  so avoid direct light shots and take from angles
  • Consider an Portable LED Light.. to add extra light to a portrait. Get one that is in the $100 range
  • Props are great for kids because it keeps them focused .. not every shot requires direct eye contact.
  • When taking large groups.. take many shots.. hen you can choose the best

Holiday Light Photography:

 

  • Turn on the lights do not take pictures in complete darkness

Get the kids involved in Photography:

 

  • Give ten kids a project.. like go take pictures of  mailboxes.. for fall leaves
  • Do give your old kids a camera and start to teach them about composition and what make a good picture.

Thanks to Ira for teaching us his basics.  Check Out Ira Block’s instagram account and Ira Block’s website.

While at the Pop Shop we also heard Chef  Justin Warner,  that is he and I below.   You might recognize him from The Next Food Networks Star..  he won his season and  he has great hair.  Justin talked about the Galaxy Note and how it makes life easier as a chef.   I loved learning about the new products at Samsung.Sherry Aikens and Justin Warner  They seem like a great option for a photo and camera combo. I was able to take a few moments to experience the Samsung S4 Zoom .   I cant speak to a full review on the quality but I found it easy to find the functions and it has some cool features.  Like a voice activated picture function.

S4zoom Features

  • 16 megapixel
  • Real 10x zoom
  • Manual mode
  • Creative smart modes like:  kid modegalaxy note

Galaxy note

  • 13 pixel
  • touch focus

Samsung Galaxy StudioThe Samsung Galaxy Studio is really fun place to  visit and experience the Samsung  Galaxy Products.  When you enter, the shop pick up a card from the Conceriage desk.  Then have it scanned at each station for points .. then when you leave redeem the points for a gift from Samsung.  Stations Include:

  • Coffee and Sprinkles cupcake station you order on tablets and they make it for you.
  • Cafe : They also have different custom food experiences every day.  Justin Warner was Making Gourmet French fries the day I visited, yummy truffle fries.
  • Design Station: Also you can create in the Design Studio area.. I made an ornament,  but I could have made a tee shirt.
  • Entertainment Area.. was a chill out lounge,  where visitors learned about controlling your TV from a Samsung Phone,  which I thought was cool because my daughter always looses the remote.
  • Accessory station/lounge where they would show you how to style jewelry and accessory so they look great with the Samsung – Galaxy Gear Smart Watch for Galaxy Note . The accessory were from Piperlime.com

Watch my video for a view on inside the Samsung Galaxy Studio.

The Shop is only open til Dec 31, 2013 and is located on 130 Prince Street Soho NYCsamsung galaxy studio

 Disclosure:  I received a very nice lunch during the event and I made an ornament.  The opinions in this post are my own.