We at Coastal Equine Services want everyone to be safe and prepared.
Hurricane Dorian is currently closing in on the Southeast US, threatening the Georgia and the Carolinas, sparing Florida a direct hit. The worst is expected to be today (Wednesday) through Friday. Storm surge is likely to cause flooding in localized areas. Move to higher ground, if you can. Evacuate early, because trailering horses in winds over 40 mph is unsafe.
For those in the storm’s path, now is a key time to review your natural disaster preparedness plan, which should include a plan for your horses and pets, too.
Where to begin when creating an emergency evacuation plan for your horse? This article (click here) from ProGrooms.com will help you create an evacuation plan for your horses. This article (click here) from ihearthorses.com will also give you ideas for being better prepared.
The Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Rescue Team has created a pet disaster plan kit to assist families that could face a weather-related catastrophe. Having a disaster plan for your entire family helps keeps everyone safe during the chaos the often accompanies a natural disaster.
According to the Humane Society of the United States, you should have the following items on-hand as part of your pet disaster plan kit:
· Food and water for at least five days for each pet. Also bring bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.
· Medications for at least five days and all medical records, including vaccination history. Keep these stored in a waterproof container. You may also consider storing them digitally on a flash drive or online.
· Litter box with extra litter and a scoop.
· Sturdy leashes, harness and carriers to transport pets safely.
· Pack a pet first aid kit.
· Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with tags for identification. Ensuring your pet is microchipped is ideal as collars can be easily removed.
· Current photos of you with your pets and descriptions of your animals.
· Comfort items, which may include a pet bed or a special toy, to reduce stress.
· Written information about your pets feeding schedules, medical conditions and behavior issues along with the name and number of your veterinarian. Keep both a hard copy and an email version, as access to the internet is often limited during times of disaster.
Many of the Humane Society apply to your horses and other livestock but consider these for your barn, horses and other livestock as well:
· Ensure items are safely secured in the barn to avoid any debris, as horses take shelter inside from the storm.
· Store enough fresh water to provide 5 to 10 gallons per horse, per day, should the water shut off.
· Have a current photo with your horse to prove ownership when relocating, in case they are turned loose or are separated from the property.
· If horses do not have a permanent ID like a tattoo or brand, microchip them for the best chances of reuniting.
· Label contact information on horses with livestock paint, by writing with a Sharpie on their hooves or braiding a luggage tag into their manes.
When evacuating, if you have space and time, consider taking contacting your local shelter to see if any of their rescue animals need a ride to safety as well.
Remember your important papers – household and horse – and if you can, take a video of your house and contents. Walk room to room–open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later.
When you return to your property, check the pasture for downed power lines, broken fencing, or branches of red maple which might have blown in (red maple causes red blood cell destruction and anemia).
Be safe out there! We’ll see you soon.