Resources
Equine
Be prepared
Evacuation Planning
When disaster strikes - do not leave your horses behind! Horses require extra considerations due to the size and requirements needed to transport and shelter them. Barn fires, hazardous material spills, and train derailments may necessitate a large-scale evacuation. You need to be prepared by having a disaster/emergency plan in place to protect your horses either by evacuating or by sheltering-in-place. If you are transporting your horse(s) to an evacuation site, it is important that you evacuate EARLY - don't wait until the last minute. If multiple trips are required to transport all of your horses, you may encounter emergency road closures that prohibit returning to your home and forcing you to leave your horses behind.
Develop an evacuation plan; know different routes to take in case there is a road closure.
Establish a network of equine transportation resources if you need additional trailers (friends, neighbors, horse clubs, etc.).
Listen to the Emergency Alert System (EAS) on TV or radio.
Post your emergency contact information on your property (house, barn, etc.).
Locate potential evacuation sites outside your immediate area (fairgrounds, racetracks, rodeo grounds, stockyards. auction facilities, etc). Contact them for their policies and ability to take livestock in an emergency.
Be prepared
Transportation
IMPORTANT - make sure your horses(s) are trained to load onto a trailer! Under stressful situations, it may be challenging and take more time to get them to loaded. Keep vehicle or trailers well-maintained, have a full tank of gas, and have the proper size hitch and ball (if bumper pull trailer). In addition, have a driver who is qualified to pull and back up a trailer quickly and safely.
Medical & Vaccinations
Make sure your horse is have current vaccinations.
Keep medical records and dietary requirements.
Provide contact information for your veterinarian.
Be prepared
Identification
Photograph you and your horse(s) together.
Permanent identification (microchips, tattoos, brands) - very important!
Temporary ID if necessary: halter tags, neck bands, use livestock markers, paint, and/or duct tape with PERMANENT writing. Include your name and phone number.
Photograph you and your horse(s) together.
Permanent identification (microchips, tattoos, brands) - very important!
Be prepared
After The Disaster
Check barn and pasture fences for damages.
Look for downed power lines.
Check pastures for sharp objects or debris that could injure your horses.
Beware of local wildlife that may have entered your property and could present a danger to your horse.
If another person's horse is on your property, isolate it from your horse(s) until it can be returned to the owner. Use caution when approaching and handling strange or frightened horses.
If you have lost a horse, contact your local animal control, veterinarian, surrounding farms, humane societies, etc.
Check with your veterinarian about potential disease outbreaks.
Be prepared
After The Disaster
7-10 day supply of feed and water
Food & water bins / buckets
Veterinary records & vet contact information
Medications (include dosage instructions)
Proof of ownership / your contact information
Halters (cotton) and leads
Rope or lariat
Horse blanket or sheet
Grooming brushes
Hoof knife / nippers/ pick / rasp
Leg wraps
Wire Cutters / sharp knife
Heavy leather gloves
Fly spray
First-Aid Kit with instruction manual
Flashlights with extra batteries
Battery-operated radio
Shovel / rakes
Tarps
Maps: local area and alternate evacuation routes