That was a very nice set of observations, Ken!

The sandbag in the toilet is something I had never heard of... does that volcano effect apply to septic tanks as well as sewers, and does it apply to homes on high ground?

"I remember shopkeepers quietly laughing at me as I stocked up, talking about panic buying..."

Did you tell them what/why you were doing, specifically? Or did they just assume?

The pet issue is why I wouldn't go to a shelter. Here in the U.S., southern California (lots of money) was the first place I had heard that was accepting pets, even horses. But for most places, it would be the exception, not the rule.

I would rather live out of my car and/or a tent than live my pets behind, but I think I'm in the minority around here.

Thanks again for the insights. POTS win again!

Sue