Why is planning important?
A disaster preparedness plan is essential in protecting the safety of horses. It’s important to develop a multi-faceted disaster plan that takes into account the weather and topography risks of your area. Once a written plan is developed, everyone at the barn should be made aware of the plan and review it annually so all parties know their roles and responsibilities.
Disaster plans should include protocols for natural disasters, as well as how to handle horse deaths, major and minor injuries, and diseases.
Below are general suggestions for a disaster plan. Additional equine disaster plan guidance is available for fire, flood, and storms.
Becoming familiar with which natural disasters are most likely to impact an area can allow the proper risks to be assessed and the correct measures to be put in place for how to handle such a situation. Plans should include emergency care protocols for how to handle horse deaths, major and minor injuries, and diseases.
General recommendations for any type of disaster plan:
Designate one person to be in charge of the farm’s response to a disaster. This person should be the one who decides whether animals shelter in place or are evacuated.
A thorough disaster plan includes:
• Identification information for each horse on the property, including:
· Permanent identification (microchip, tattoo, brand, photographs of all sides)
· Emergency temporary identification at time of disaster (painted hooves, neck or pastern bands, body paint, including telephone number and name)
• Supplies (emergency kit, first aid kit)
· Emergency kit should include: fire resistant leads/halters for each horse, fire extinguisher, water buckets, portable radio, flashlight and extra batteries, knife, wire cutters, duct tape, livestock markers or paint, a disinfectant and clean towels
· First aid kit: Consult a veterinarian to assist with creating a first aid kit that is most appropriate for your situation. A first aid kit for equine typically includes Betadine or Nolvasan solution, antibiotic ointment, gauze and bandages, ichthammol ointment, eye ointments, emergency medications prescribed by a veterinarian (Bute, Banamine, tranquilizer), scissors, leg wraps, and hoof picks. Emergency medication supplies lasting at least three to five days.
• Medical records and photos
· Medical records should be stored electronically and hard copies should be available to travel with the horse to an emergency location.
• Transportation and maintenance
· Regular routine inspection and maintenance on your trailer ensures that the trailer is ready for an emergency.
• Evacuation sites and exit routes
· Many disasters require emergency evacuation off the premises to ensure to the safety of the horses. Identifying and confirming an evacuation site in advance of the need is essential.
· Evacuation locations can include farms of neighbors or friends, a community-designated location, county farm grounds, or state expo centers. Some emergency evacuation centers for horses may be limited during an event, so several options should be identified.
· During a natural disaster, some roads may be closed. Planning several emergency routes off the property ensures horses can be safely moved in the event of a natural disaster.
• Emergency Plan Documentation
· Emergency plans should include a map of the farm with identification of electrical boxes and water shut-off points.
· Emergency plans should be printed and placed in several places around the premises. Multiple people should know the location and contents of the emergency plans and documents. Electronic back-ups of emergency plan information should be stored in a cloud-based system that multiple people can access.
· Plans should include all contact information and an outline of communication tree for notification. A designated point of contact and an alternate should be assigned for primary communications and decisions.
• Local Emergency Management Contacts and Alert Systems
· There are various local, state, and emergency management groups in your area. Communicating and collaborating with these groups in advance of a natural disaster is extremely beneficial.
· Based on the geographic location, there may be several emergency alert systems in place. It is important to sign up in advance for these local alert systems. Ideally, multiple alert systems should be available in case devices like cell phones, television, landlines, or radio lose functionality.
How to stay, and how to go
If evacuation is the best course of action, it’s better to move horses sooner than later. For horses sheltering in place, hay and water should be made available for 48 to 72 hours in case caretakers lose access to the property. Automatic waterers should not be relied upon, as the power may be lost. Circuit breakers should be turned off to prevent power surge sparks.
When horses shelter in place, human and horse safety must be the priority. During the event, humans staying on the property should monitor the barn’s structural integrity, flying debris, broken fences and downed power lines.
Disaster recovery
After a disaster, buildings, fences, powerlines and pastures should be checked for damage and foreign objects. Monitor horses for signs of distress, injury and/or illness. If horses die or are euthanized due to illness or injury, you should follow disposal requirements as you’re able.
Animals found on your property that do not belong to you should be isolated from your animals to prevent disease transmission. Contact animal control, local emergency management, or a veterinarian to reunite lost animals with their homes.
In the aftermath of the event, remember that insurance will likely become part of your long-term recovery. Take photos to document damage, injuries, or other results from the disaster. Keep receipts from any expenditures related to the incident.
We're proud to share that the Equine Disaster Relief Fund has raised over $1 million to support horses in times of crisis. Established in the wake of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina, this fund was created to safeguard horses' well-being during disasters. Donations help prepare for emergencies and provide aid to equines of any breed affected by hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, blizzards, fires, and more. All contributions are securely held in a dedicated account by US Equestrian and distributed only with CEO authorization, ensuring timely and effective assistance. Every donation makes a meaningful difference for horses and their owners when they need it most.