Disaster Preparation

for the horse owner

The horseowner needs to make preparations for their animals and things that would never occur to most people. Not only are you responsible for your family...you have your horses and pets to plan for.

In rural areas, help might not come for days. If roads are flooded or blocked by fallen trees or debris, you might need to fend for yourself for an extended period of time without electricity or outside help.

It is wise to make a list of possible disasters and crisis that can occur in your area. In our area, storms and flooding are probably the greatest hazards. In other areas of the country, forest fires or tornados might be a threat. Assess what you might experience then analyze your vulnerabilities.

Past experience has taught me that WATER is the number one priority for the horse owner and homesteader. If you are dependant on a well, you a dependant on electricity to pump that water. We found it prudent to invest in a generator. We do not have access to ponds or any natural groundwater. We rely on our pump to bring the water up more than 200 feet which is more than a normal handpump can draw. We do not have the money to buy a solar pump yet, but that might be an option for some.

Questions to ask yourself:

• If you need to evaculate, how will you do it? Where will you go?
• Will you be able to take all your animals?
• Do you have enough feed, hay, veterinary supplies on hand to survive until help arrives?
• What will you do if your water supply becomes contaminated?
• What will you do if you are away from home and can't return when a disaster strikes?

WHAT TO DO

1. Have an out of state contact person and phone number.
2. Keep at least a two week supply of feed and hay on hand at all times.
3. Have a well supplied first aid kit ready.
4. Know your evacuation routes. Plan around areas that might flood or become impassable.
5. Teach each horse to load quietly and reliably BEFORE a disaster threatens.
6. Make sure each animal is up to date on all shots and paperwork. Two days before a hurricane strikes is not the time to get a Coggins on your horse and you won't be allowed to evacuate without one.
7. Have a dog crate or cat carrier available for each pet.
8. Have a breakaway halter on each horse with an dog-type id tag on each halter.
9. Put each horse's papers and a recent photo of the horse in a plastic freezer bag. Keep these with you. You might need them to identify and reclaim your horse later.
10. Mark each horse with your social security number and your cellphone number with livestock paint.
11. Take a picture of your tack room showing all the saddles and tack you have. You might need this later for insurance purposes.
12. Have a backup plan in case you are away from home when the disaster strikes and can not get home due to road closures or unsafe conditions.