Major storm of any kind are frightening for both humans and horses. Hurricanes and tornadoes can do major damage as witnessed over the past few years with televised reports of stricken areas showing the devastation that can happen in a very short time.
Fortunately, making preparations ahead of time will improve the chances of both you and your horse surviving a hurricane or tornado, if not unscathed, certainly in better shape than without planning ahead for every possibility.
Horse owner hurricane preparation tips
Making preparations ahead of time will improve the chances of both you and your horse surviving a hurricane, tornado or other natural disaster.
The Louisiana State Animal Response Team has diligently worked to educate the public on what to do in case of a hurricane or other kinds of natural disasters.
Tips for preparing for a hurricane:
- Be sure your horse has current vaccinations for: Tetanus and Encephalitis viruses (Eastern, Western, and West Nile)
- Keep record of a current negative Coggins test for all of your horses
- Be sure to store the record for microchip number (ie. Coggins form) in an accessible location (it is recommended to keep a second copy of this information with a family member or friend in a distant location but where it will be accessible)
- Network a ‘plan’ with farm animal-owning neighbors in your parish (get to know your neighbors, plan a meeting, talk through different scenarios, identify the local resources for dealing with disaster situations)
- Keep emergency phone numbers handy (Parrish EOC – Emergency Operations Center, local veterinarian, local law enforcement)
- Be sure that your horse has two forms of identification, 1) Permanent such as microchip, tattoo, brand and 2) Luggage-type tag secured to the tail and halter (be sure to use a leather halter for break-away purposes). Fetlock tags are useful and can be acquired on-line or from a local farm supply store. Be sure to place your name, address, and phone number (phone # of someone out of state is best in the event of phone outages) legibly on the tags.
- If you plan to evacuate in the event of a storm, have a destination and routes thought out well in advance. January, February and March would be good months to do this. Plan to leave 72 hours before the arrival of the storm. The worst thing that can happen to you is to get stuck in traffic with a trailer full of horses and a hurricane approaching. Provide your neighbors your evacuation contact information.
- Prepare a waterproof emergency animal care kit with all the items you normally use: medications, salves, ointments, vetwraps, bandages, tape, etc. Place the kit in a safe place where you can get to it after a storm
- Start early to clean up your property and remove all debris that may be tossed around by storm and hurricane force winds.
- If you plan to weather the storm at home, here are some guidelines: 1) The choice of keeping your horse in a barn or an open field is up to you. Use common sense, taking into consideration barn structure, trees, power lines, and the condition of surrounding properties. Farms subject to storm surge or flash flooding should turn their horses out so horses do not drown. 2) Remove all items from the barn aisle and walls, and store them in a safe place 3) Have at least a two-three week supply of hay (wrapped in plastic or waterproof tarp) and feed (stored in plastic water-tight containers). 4) Place these supplies in the highest and driest area possible. 6) Fill clean plastic garbage cans with water, secure the tops, and place them in the barn. 7) Have an emergency barn kit containing a chain saw and fuel, hammers, saw, nails, screws and fencing materials. Place this kit in a secure area before the storm hits
- Be sure to have an ample supply of flashlights and batteries
- Listen to local radio stations in your area. If internet access is available, access state-run websites that contain accurate status information (ie. State Police, State Animal Response Team – LSART, LSUEquine.com, State Dept. of Agriculture).