Fred the Preparedness Dog - Emeritus

21/05/2024

Let’s talk healthy preparedness. While playing with Leash Guy, we noticed a lump on my leg. Set a doctor’s appointment and found out I had a cancer mass. It looks like that was the only area and it hadn’t spread to my lungs or anything. Today I had surgery to remove the mass. All went well and I’m back home resting.

You should always take notice if there is something that doesn’t feel or look right. Knowing what’s normal for you is important and then explaining it to your healthcare provider. Be safe, be prepared. -Fred

30/04/2024

Quick walk before this storm. Have your kit and stay weather aware. -Fred

06/03/2024

Its statewide tornado drill day at 11:00 a.m. in Kansas today. Are you participating? - Fred

09/01/2024

While leash guy was shoveling snow I made sure this rug didn’t get out of place. If you’re out working, don’t overdo it and watch for cold injuries. - Fred

02/10/2023

Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023 at 1:20 p.m. CT, nationwide emergency alert test on the cell phones. Afterwards, everyone can take a nap... Fred says so! - Fred

IMPORTANT: On Wednesday, Oct. 4th at 2:20 p.m. ET, there will be a nationwide emergency alert test on cell phones, wireless devices, radios, and TVs.

This is a standard test that occurs at least once every three years. No action is needed.

Info & FAQs: fema.gov/emergency-managers/practitioners/integrated-public-alert-warning-system/national-test-2023

08/09/2023

Thank you to the CT Environmental Health Association for the great bed for my retirement. I see many naps in my future. - Fred

01/09/2023

Preparedness Month! Leash Guy and Granddog are prepping hay for the winter at the ranch. Kits are different for different families. Be safe around equipment. -Fred

07/08/2023

When leash guy asks if you want to go for a ride and you end up at the vet.

It’s all good. I love my vet and she said I’m healthy. - Fred

Burlingame Rd Animal Hospital

26/07/2023

Interested in health and helping your community? Or recently retired health professional? Consider volunteering with your local Medical Reserve Corps chapter. Visit Medical Reserve Corps to find a chapter. - Fred

26/07/2023

You can be the help until help arrives and save a life. Take a CPR and AED class to learn or refresh on life saving skills. Visit American Red Cross, American Red Cross Kansas, or American Heart Association to find a class near you. - Fred

03/07/2023

Toby and I take medicine around this time of year because of all the fireworks. We LOVE Independence Day (who can resist hot dogs and hamburgers) but like to sleep through the fireworks. Flynn used to enjoy watching them on TV rather than seeing them outside. - Fred

30/06/2023

Who's ready for Independence Day? The 4th of July is exciting and a little scary for me and others. Some veterans and pets aren't big fans of all the explosions. Enjoy yourself and be careful. I'll be in the storm shelter, keeping cool and holding my toy. - Fred

15/06/2023

We were looking for a picture to remind you to get storm ready, but started watching home movies instead. So... be weather ready and enjoy this movie from a couple of years ago. - Fred

18/05/2023

Practicing sheltering is a good family activity and helps everyone be comfortable in the shelter area. - Fred

12/05/2023

Hiiii Wayne, can you help me check the flashlights? - Fred

04/05/2023

You never know what the universe has planned. You may have to evacuate Tatooine, get stranded on Hoth, or need to shelter on Endor. In any case, best to check that emergency kit. - Fred

03/05/2023

Hey guys, I’m having a retirement party at Kansas Department of Health and Environment on June 1 from 1-3 p.m. Ya’ll invited to swing by. - Fred

01/05/2023

It's warming up and that means we all need to be more mindful of heat injuries. Watch out for yourself and others. If you see someone in heat distress: water, shade, cool place should all be in their future. - Fred

19/04/2023

A good reminder from my friends at Kansas Wildlife & Parks - Game Wardens that the snakes have come out this spring. Keep aware where you're walking. - Fred

04/04/2023

Fred the Preparedness Dog Retires After Ten Years of Service

Today, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) recognizes Fred the Preparedness Dog’s retirement and honors him with the title of emeritus effective June 30, 2023.

In 2013, “Fred, a German shepherd, had just joined our family. It all started when he jumped into the bathtub,” Michael McNulty, emergency management director and handler, said. “My wife eagerly captured all his adorable dog moments with her camera. So, when Fred hopped into the tub to shelter during a weather warning, she quickly snapped a photo and sent it to me. I posted Fred’s photo on social media at work and added a caption: ‘Fred knows where to go in case of severe weather. You should too.’”

Fred became the first dog to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on preparedness in the country. During his decade of state service, Fred participated in close to 300 events, traveling more than 47 thousand miles and having tens of thousands of interactions with children and families.

“Fred has been an asset to public health across Kansas, going above and beyond to spread the word about the importance of being prepared for all types of emergencies,” said KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek. “Fred has also lended comfort and support to the team at KDHE with regular visits to our offices.”

Fred’s actions also garnered national attention for many of his activities. He presented at three national conferences, was featured in CDC and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) publications and was later named the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association Professional Pet of the Year.

At the age of 11, Fred is excited to enjoy his golden years with his best friend, Michael and the rest of his family. Although he will not be taking event requests, Fred will still enjoy the occasional community event, and his paws will continue to be active on social media. Follow Fred on his social media Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

31/03/2023

Please share this. Call or text. 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline

23/03/2023

Happy National Puppy Day with some little Fred photos. It’s a good reminder to continually review what our family looks like and make those changes to our family emergency plans and kits. - Fred

21/03/2023

Cow and her newest little bull calf. She wants to remind us that during spring, weather and other emergencies can happen quickly and if we've had new additions to our families we need to look at our family emergency plan and kit. Need to add some special baby supplies for the newest little one. Spring can also be warm or cool so keeping a sweatshirt and raincoat handy is smart too. - Fred

07/03/2023

What you won't see because I take the time to practice my severe weather sheltering. Kansas statewide tornado drill is today at 10:00 but any time is a good time to practice. - Fred

07/03/2023

Hey, Dorothy. Maybe practicing your tornado sheltering would have prevented this. - Fred

02/03/2023

Spring and summer mean I'm going to be exploring more. It's a good time to remind yourself of the venomous critters in your area to avoid. Special thanks to Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks for showing me. - Fred

24/02/2023

I was over at the Kansas Capitol this morning helping remind everyone that spring is coming (despite what today's thermometer says) and that everyone in our family should be prepared. - Fred

15/02/2023

Ok, look at me, this is my serious face. Snow is coming and possibly some strong winds to Kansas. Take a few minutes today and get the supplies just in case you can't (or shouldn't) get out for a couple of days. - Fred

14/02/2023

Today I went to Bonner Springs Elementary to talk to the 2nd & 3rd grade about preparedness. We talked about severe weather, fires, floods, and animals in emergencies. We also laughed and barked. It was good times. - Fred