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There
are many choices to make when a storm is approaching, but
to keep your horses out of danger, plan ahead and get moving
early. Emergency planners in Florida and North Carolina based
the following tips on the experiences of storm survivors.
Update Vaccinations
Check with your vet to be sure your horses have a tetanus
booster and encephalitis shots to get them through the rainy
season. Encephalitis, a disease that is carried by mosquitoes,
can kill humans and horses. Most vets recommend vaccinating
every 4 to 6 months.
Identification Options
Purchase a leather neckband or fetlock ID bands for the front
legs and have them ready before the hurricane nears.
Put a leather halter on each horse and attach a luggage tag
with your contact information and any special veterinarian
care. Waterproof it with a small zip-lock bag and tape that
to the halter. You can also braid a second luggage tag into
the long hairs of the tail.
Take a photograph of your horse and one with you and your
horse together so that you can easily prove ownership.
Not everyone is honest in an emergency. A microchip, tattoo,
branding or freeze marking is permanent. Very few freeze marked
horses are stolen. See www.horseweb.com/kka for more information
on freeze branding.
If there isn't time for the above, use a small animal clipper
to etch your phone number on your horse's neck.
Preparing your Property
The choice of whether you should keep your horse in the barn
or an open field is an individual one. Use common sense when
considering the barn structure, trees or power lines that
may increase risk.
Clear away any items that might be tossed around by hurricane
winds. Bundle jump poles together and check the interior walls
of your barn and shelves for loose objects.
Bed all stalls; fill water buckets, all water tubs, and any
large containers that can be lined with plastic garbage bags.
Allow 20 gallons of water/horse/day. Store a two-week supply
of feed in containers and cover hay with plastic or waterproof
tarps.
Put the number of your county agricultural extension agency
or large animal control office in a prominent place. Call
when you have questions.
Review your insurance policies.
Talk to your neighbors. Will they evacuate or weather the
storm at home?
Tools
Prepare a first-aid kit and keep it in a safe place for emergencies.
Store tools you'll need for repairing the damage, including
fencing materials, nails and hammers, duck tape, chain saw
and fuel. Have plenty of batteries on hand for flashlights
of different sizes.
Secure a (four horsepower or greater) generator to provide
power for refrigeration and water pump needs. One that runs
off a diesel tractor will be most economical if you are without
power for more than a few days.
Emergency Stabling
Check with your county Emergency Management office for stables
that will take evacuees. You will be expected to show a Coggins
certificate and bring your own feed, hay, bedding and buckets.
In Florida, the Sunshine State Horse Council (www.sshc.org)
has a directory of stables, or you can register your stable
if you can take horses in an emergency.
Evacuating
If you decide to leave with your horses, have your destination
planned in advance and leave early. Being stuck in traffic
pulling a trailer full of horses is another type of emergency.
Carry extra fuel cans in the truck bed, not the trailer, and
remember in high winds tractor trailers are blown around like
toys.
Hunkering Down
Do not stay in the barn with your horse during the storm.
Attach ID and check the supply of water and hay in each stall.
Doubling up so that buddies stay together may be an option.
Turn off circuit breakers to the barn in the event of power
surges that could cause sparks. Place fly masks on pastured
horses to reduce the incidence of eye injuries.
After the Storm
If you need assistance, make a sign on a 4 x 8 sheet of wood
or write on a king size flat sheet. In large letters spray
paint: "HAVE INJURED ANIMALS, NEED HELP." If you
have property damage, document it with a camera that stamps
date and time.
Take heart. Past hurricanes have proven horses show remarkable
survival abilities in the face of natural disaster-often surpassing
those of humans.
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