We know it may be hard to believe, but fire season isn't over yet.
Here in Southern California fire season doesn't officially end until November. In other parts of the country, fire season doesn't end until the arrival of substantial rain or snow fall. Fires, floods, and other catastrophes may require evacuation of your horse. You should always be prepared.
When you are in a rush and may not have time to help your animals in a fire or flood evacuation, some owners feel that instead of letting their animals perish in their corrals or stalls it would be better if they turned them loose.
This is a VERY bad idea! So many things can happen that can not only injure your animals but lives of those that are attempting to control the situation.
Your animals may run straight into the oncoming fire line without you even knowing it, or they may become a casualty of an accident as they run from the screaming sirens, fire engines and other emergency vehicles attempting to help the situation, thus causing even more problems.
If you are unable to get your own animals off your property there are agencies and emergency trained personnel that will go to your property to help evacuate them. In California we have CERT teams and in Los Angeles County there is the ERT - Equine Response Team as well as animal control agents who are authorized to enter your property to remove not only large but small animals as well.
You do however need to make the Sheriff's department and/or animal control aware that you have left animals at your property and need their help.
DO NOT assume that they know about you and your animals. Be proactive.
Have written information packets available that list each animal along with a picture, feeding instructions, medication (if necessary), veterinarian's name and contact information as well as your own information with two different phone numbers.
You should check the locals shelters fair grounds and other evacuation locations frequently to be sure that your animals have arrived safely.
One other thing that is very important is to have some form of Identification on your animals. If you have time before you leave your home, be sure to mark your large animals with your address, phone number and name.
There are several different forms that people use to identify their animals. By having a Fetlock ID band on your horse 24/7 you will not have to make this a step in your preparations, or if you have a horse ID evacuation collar that can be easily placed on your horse, that will help the evacuation teams and you to identify your animal when it arrives at an evacuation center.
Some people also use halter tags, grease pens or paint as other temporary ways to identify their large animals.
Whatever you choose to do when evacuating, staying calm is one of the most important factors. Your animals can feel your energy and will react to how you are feeling. Be Safe during your next evacuation situation.