That Scared Me!

[NicholsS10]

I live in an apartment building that is only 2 stories with a total of 9 apartments. I live on the second floor. Well, while getting ready for class the fire alarm went off! That is the first time in my 2.5 years living here that has happened!

So what do I do first? I run to the bedroom to grab a laundry basket and put a towel and throw a layer of fleece in and quickly fix up the 2 pig carriers. I was gonna have to manage carrying out all 5 guinea pigs at once! I thought I was going to go deaf from the fire alarm, it's right near the cage, and the pigs are all piled up on top of each other in the corner.

By this point a few minutes had gone by, I had to put jeans, shoes, and hoodie on (cold Wisconsin weather), grab my keys, wallet, and cell phone. I then went I was able to grab one of the pigs (Monkey), put her in the carrier, and when I turned around to grab another, the alarm went off. I took Monkey out of the carrier to calm her down (can't hold all 5 pigs at once!) and went out into the hallway to see what happened.

I looked outside and saw one of the people that work from my landlord leaving, I went down to the first level, and I could smell burning food. Apparently someone accidentally set off the fire alarm.

That was the first time I could have faced a disaster, while living completely on my own, with my 5 pigs. It really scared me!

I now know for a fact that (since it happened) that IF something happened, what I would grab if I only had one trip to make out of the building.... my 5 pigs. I wouldn't bring anything for myself, none of my school things (not even my laptop), just my 5 pigs. God forbid something ever did happen, they have another set up at my parents house 90 minutes away, and I have a car. I would have lost all their items here, the 30lbs of hay I just got, all their bedding, toys, cozies, and hammocks, but I would have their lives.

Thank God I have rental insurance, just in case something like that did ever happen...

After all was said and done, I had to give them all an extra carrot to get them out of their catatonic state, and calm them down.

Oh, and I missed my class because of all of this, but at least I know my piggers are safe!

[Tessa Bea]

I'm glad you were there when it went off! I'd hate to imagine what kind of scenario could ensue if your pigs were trapped without you...

I have an emergency escape plan should anything ever happen- I have the pigs laundry basket right by their cage with their playtime linens in it- all I have to do is put them in there and go.

And yes, Renter's insurance is a GREAT thing to have. I have it too.

[Peggysu]

What a wake up call huh?

I suggest that everyone practice and be ready for "if" an emergency were to happen. If you're prepared you'll be more efficient at escaping with everyone in a timely manner. And never mess around with trying to get out property. If you and your animals aren't out you put emergency workers at risk that have to go in and get you out.

[NicholsS10]

My smallest girl, Skunk, is still pretty scared... I've never seen her so freaked out before.... poor baby. She's sitting on my lap right now.

And yes, from now on I'm going to have an escape plan ready.

[Tessa Bea]

I'm very fortunate to live on the end of my apt. building and have my own exit.

Planning ahead and being prepared is the one most useful thing I learned from Girl Scouts and the Army.

I totally agree with you, Peggysu. Plans = win.

EDIT-

Poor Skunk! I know how she feels, I used to be terrified of loud noises as a kid...

[TallulahBear]

I've worried about this scenerio often. I have 2 kids, 2 dogs, 2 pigs, 1 cat, 2 birds and numerous fish. Although we all hope to never be put in a position where you have pick a priority....undoubtably the first thing that will happen in my house is getting my children (the ones without fur, feathers or fins) out of the house. My daughter has asked me before when worried, 'Mommy....if we have a fire, how will we get <insert long list of pets> out?' Sigh.

[Peggysu]

Don't forget that you can get those stickers that you put in a window by an enterance that state "Please rescue my pet" and then you put in the number of animals. It has a cat and dog option with an area to put numbers, and then an other option.

[princesspoppy]

That sure is a wake up call. And a plan of action needed. Do you have smoke alarms in your apartment also ?. I would suggest getting a fire blanket . One for you and 1 to drape over the box you put your piggies in if ever you do encounter a fire.