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Disaster
Action Guidelines For Horse Owners
You should be aware that
actions you take before, during and after a natural or man
made disaster could save your horses' life.
Plan Ahead Before a
Disaster Occurs:
- Familiarize yourself with the types of disasters that
can occur in your area and develop a plan of action to
deal with each type. Some disasters to consider are
hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, severe
winter weather, fire, nuclear power plant accidents with
release of radioactivity to the environment and
hazardous material spills.
- Survey your property to find the best location to
confine your animals in each type of disaster. Check for
alternate water sources in case power is lost and pumps
and automatic waterers are not working after the
disaster.
- If you think you might need to evacuate your horses
from your property determine several locations the
animals could be taken, several routes to these
locations and the entry requirements for each. Make
arrangements in advance with the owner/operators to
accept your horses and be sure to contact them before
taking the horses there. Locations that could be used
for evacuation are private stables, race tracks, fair
grounds, equestrian centers, private farms and humane
societies.
- Permanently identify each horse by tattoo, microchip,
brand, tag, photograph (4 views-front, rear, left and
right side) and/or drawing. Record its age, sex, breed,
and color with your record of this identification. Keep
this information with your important papers. If not
identified at the time of the disaster in the above
manner, paint or etch hooves, use neck bands or paint
telephone number on side of animal.
- Be sure your horses' vaccination and medical records
are written and up-to-date. As a minimum, each horse
should have a current Coggins test documented. Check
with your veterinarian as to what immunizations are
advisable. Have documentation of any medicines with
dosing instructions, special feeding instructions and
the name and phone number of the veterinarian who
dispensed the drug.
- Place a permanent tag with your name and phone number,
and the horse's name on each animal's halter.
- Consider in your plan the prioritizing of which
animals will be saved, if all cannot be saved. Let all
farm personnel know of your plans in case you are not
there when a disaster occurs.
- Prepare an emergency kit consisting of:
- plastic trash barrel with lid
- water bucket
- leg wraps
- fire resistant non nylon leads and halters
- first aid items
- portable radio and extra batteries
- flashlight
- sharp knife
- wire cutters
- tarpaulins
- lime, bleach
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Have trailers and vans maintained, full of gas and
ready to move at all times. Acclimate your horse to
trailers and vans.
Remember during emergencies you are taking minimum
actions to assure the animal's survival. Have enough
fresh water and hay on hand for 48-72 hours.
During disasters you may wear different or unusual
clothing, so condition your horses to strange
appearances ahead of time.
Consider your insurance needs and be sure you have all
the coverage on your property and animals you may need
and that claims will be paid for the type of disasters
you may encounter.
PRACTICE YOUR PLAN.
At the Time of the
Disaster:
- STAY CALM! FOLLOW YOUR PLAN!
- Listen to the Emergency Broadcasting System (EBS)
station on your portable radio for information about how
to locate horse care providers offering services during
the disaster and any special instructions about actions
you should take to protect your animals.
- If you leave your home, take your horses'
immunizations and health records with you. Records kept
at home may be damaged during the disaster.
- If you evacuate and take your horses with you, take
all your immunization and health records, your emergency
kit and sufficient hay and water for a minimum 48 hour
period. Call ahead, if possible, to make sure that your
emergency location is still available.
- If you must leave your horses unattended at home,
leave them in the area most appropriate for the type of
disaster you previously selected such as high ground in
a flood. Leave enough water for the length of time you
expect to be gone. Do not trust automatic watering
systems in case power is lost.
After the Disaster:
- Be careful about leaving your horses unattended
outside after the disaster. Familiar scents and
landmarks may be altered and the horses could easily
become confused and lost. It is best to place them in a
secure area. Be sure fences are intact as some may be
damaged by the disaster. Check fences and pastures for
sharp objects that could injure horses. Be aware of
downed power lines, racoons, skunks and other wild
animals may have entered the area and could present a
danger to your horses.
- If any horses are lost during the disaster contact
veterinarians, humane societies, stables, race tracks,
equestrian centers, surrounding farms and other
facilities that might house animals. Listen to the EBS
for infomation about groups that may be accepting lost
animals.
- If you find somone else's horse after the disaster,
isolate it from your animals until it is returned or can
be examined by a veterinarian.
- Use extreme caution when approaching and handling
unknown or frightened horses. Work in pairs when
handling strange horses.
- Check with your veterinarian, the state veterinary
medical association and the Department of Agriculture
for information about any disease outbreaks that may
have occurred as a result of the disaster.
- Be prepared to identify and document ownership when
claiming lost horses.
- Consider establishing security measures on your farm
to protect assets from looters, exploiters.
This information
prepared by:
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Maryland Veterinary Medical Association
Maryland Emergency Management Agency
Maryland Horse Council
Maryland Cooperative Extension Service
Maryland Racing Commission
Maryland Jockey Club
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©Copyright
2003 Moniteau Saddle Club
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