Emergency Preparedness for Horse Owners
by EquestriSafe
Before Emergencies Happen

It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when an emergency situation will happen to you!  With all of the wild weather around the country, (floods, wild fires and tornados), somewhere there are horses and other animals that have gone missing and may never return; homes that are threatened or have been destroyed and lives changed forever.

Each year the ASPC, HSUS, local animal rescues, shelters and organizations provide information how to be prepared, what to gather quickly for an emergency and how to prepare yourself and your family members whether 2 legged or 4 legged.  Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself:

What is my emergency or evacuation plan?  Do you have an evacuation route for getting out of your given area, your home or ranch?  If you own a ranch or boarding facility, do you have an evacuation plan and traffic plan posted?  Do you practice with your family and boarders quarterly (or at least twice a year)?
 
Do I have proof of ownership and current photos of my animals?  A proof of ownership, Veterinary records and Identification for ALL your animals is a MUST!  I suggest that you have copies of veterinary records & proof of ownership for your animals under the seat of your truck and a 2nd copy in your transporting trailer.
 
Other essentials; First Aid kit, medications, supplements and adequate feed supplies are also necessary in the event you need to leave my home location for a period of time?

The time to really think about these things is when you don’t need them. That time in “anytime” during the year. Take a day and collect your inventory, move items for easy access when you are in a hurry.  You may also want to have a checklist visible in your barn as to what you need when you evacuate so that you can make sure not to forget something important

Planning ahead of an emergency is so very important; relocating horses, traveling long or short distances, from fires, flood , tornados, and hurricanes; emergency planning needs to be considered for even show days, trail rides, camping, hunting, and endurance races.  I can’t think of a situation where planning should not be a part of your preparedness.

Here are some basic items to have in your emergency grab and go kit:
Identification for your horses – either an ID band or Evacuation Collar
Flashlight with extra batteries
Radio – battery operated
Medications & feed for 2-3 days
Halter & lead rope for every horse
Contact information for you, veterinarian and other contacts
Feeding instructions & restrictions
Fuel in your vehicles
Fire Extinguisher
Water buckets



Written by: Teresa Spencer; author, speaker, horse owner. EquestriSafe, owner (a company dedicated to horse safety) and California Horse Barns. Proud member of  CSHA, Equestrian Trails – Corral 138, AQHA, American Equestrian Trade Association,  AQHA & APHA
For more information on disaster planning, you can contact us ... see below...
Contact: Our Friendly Staff
P.O Box 600
Acton, California 93510
Phone: 877-600-1375
Email: info@equestrisafe.com
Website: equestrisafe.com
 

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