The first step in emergency planning is to know what threats may exist in your area. Do you live in a ‘tornado alley’, or can blizzards knock out electrical supply and close roads for days? Is your area prone to flooding or is drought a threat?
Next form a plan, write it down and keep it in an easily accessible place should disaster strike.
Consider:
- Keeping your horse’s or pony’s vaccinations current.
- Keeping your horse’s registration papers, Coggins tests and other important papers handy.
- Keeping at least a two week food supply on hand.
- How water can be stored or accessed during an emergency.
- The safest housing for your horses in any weather—or are they safer outdoors?
- Planning an evacuation route and what transport you will use, especially if you don’t have a horse trailer.
- Keeping a well stocked basic first aid kit on hand.
- Keeping a supply of any specific medications your horse needs.
- Permanent identification (brands, tattoos, microchips) and temporary ID (paint, tags, bands).
- Keeping emergency numbers posted. (Vet, police, fire etc…)
These links will provide you with more detailed information to help you devise an emergency plan that suits your situation.
Horses and Brush Fires—Coping with an Emergency
Hurricane Tips for Horse Owners
Caring for Livestock During a Disaster Includes avalanches, ice storms, blizzards, droughts, floods, tornadoes, fires and drought.
Disaster Preparedness and Response Guide This is an extensive 500 page printable guide in PDF format for vets, vet techs, emergency response managers and anyone interested in extensive knowledge of planning for animals in emergency situations. Download the book online or order the print version.
Saving The Whole Family This booklet is designed to help pet and livestock owners plan for disasters and keep their animals safe. Download in PDF or HTML format, or order the book.
