Planning
Hurricanes and tornadoes both produce strong winds that can cause damage to properties and injuries to horses. Ideally, with advance notice, horses can be moved out of the path of a hurricane or tornado.
Evacuations should only be performed when it is safe to do so, prior to the arrival of hurricane or tornado. To ensure prompt successful evacuation, the routes of evacuation should be identified in advance and documented in a written plan. The written plan should be distributed to all personnel on the farm and be exercised in advance, including the loading and unloading of horses to ensure they are well trained prior to the weather event.
If horses are to be kept on farm, the preparedness plan should include actions to be taken to keep animals safe. Loose objects around the farm should be secured so they can’t be carried in the winds and cause damage. The barn structure should be secured as much as possible to withstand the weather conditions. Supplies should be brought in to ensure feed and water is available for several days.
Response
It is critical to monitor weather conditions for possible hurricanes or tornadoes. It is important to stay up-to-date on any evacuation alerts from the emergency responders. Evacuation decisions should be made early to ensure safe removal of horses before roadways and areas become too dangerous to traverse. If you’re unable to evacuate, human safety should be prioritized over animals’.
Activation of the emergency response plan for horses staying on-site includes securing of the premises from possible flying debris risk and ensuring horses have feed and water. Feed can be wrapped in watertight material to prevent it from getting wet.
If evacuating, maintain safe driving practices and don’t attempt to outrun a tornado or hurricane. Winds will be stronger under overpasses, so do not seek shelter there.
Recovery
After the storm, the property and horses should be inspected for injuries and damage. Recovery will take time, and it is important to be patient as help arrives. Any injuries that can be handled by owners should be managed on-site, as veterinary resources will be stretched thin.
