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Preparing horses for a hurricane is a major task requiring planning as far in advance of a storm as possible.
If you plan to evacuate, be on the road at least 72 hours before the storm is forecast to strike. During Hurricane Andrew, tractor trailers were blown off the highways. A gust from gale force winds and a foot of fast moving water is all it takes to tip over a trailer full of horses.
Disaster experts disagree on whether horses should be turned out in large pastures or kept inside their stalls during the storm. Some experts believe horses are better protected from dangerous flying debris if they remain in their stalls. But there's always the chance that a stall will be blown apart or collapse.
Other experts say horses are safer left in the open. A large pasture should have no overhead power lines, as well as high areas that won't flood and low areas for water. Loose horses, however, cannot dodge objects flying at 100 mph.
Many horses that survived Andrew died from kidney failure due to dehydration after being deprived of food and water for days or were killed by downed power lines. Horses that wandered through broken fences were hit and killed on the roads or died entangled in barbed wire fences.
Consider the following guidelines, which includes preparation tips and telephone numbers of animal services.
DISASTER PROOF YOUR BARN: Store combustibles such as gas cans, cleaning supplies, aerosol cans and oily rags in fire-resistant containers. Clear cobwebs from rafters, walls and light fixtures. Grain, hay and bedding materials are extremely combustible; store them a safe distance from the barn and cover with flame-retardant tarpaulin. Dry horse manure is flammable. Dump it a safe distance from buildings. Keep stable surroundings clear of dry brush, grass and litter. Ladders, shovels, wheelbarrows, mowers and other equipment should be stored away from the barn. Trailers and vehicles should be tied down away from trees and buildings. Shut off main electrical breakers and close gas and water valves. Unplug appliances and remove fans to a safe area.
IDENTIFICATION: Take photographs of your horses from all angles, as well as photos of the horses with family members. Paint horses' names and your names and phone numbers in large letters on the horses' sides and hips with all-weather, long-lasting, lead-free and nontoxic sticks used for marking livestock (available at feed stores). Names and phone numbers can also be painted on hooves with fingernail polish. Permanent identification methods include freeze branding, standard branding and microchips. Use leather bridles and fly masks to protect eyes from wind-whipped debris and shavings. Horses should be up-to-date on tetanus boosters and encephalitis shots. Store copies of Coggins tests, vaccinations, insurance papers and information on scars, tattoos, microchips and other permanent identification in a waterproof container.
WATER AND FEED: Water is the most urgent need for horses following a natural disaster. Water deprivation leads to dehydration and serious digestive problems. Stockpile at least 20 gallons of water per horse per day. Store in troughs, large tanks or barrels throughout the property and secure them against damage. Keep bottles of household bleach to kill contaminants in the water (1 ounce treats 20 gallons of water) or buy water-purification tablets. Install a hand pump on your well. Stockpile two weeks' worth of feed and hay and medications. After any disaster, it's difficult to predict how long barns will be cut off from feed suppliers. Cover feed and hay with flame-resistant tarps to protect from water, winds and flying embers.
DISASTER KITS: Kits should include all the items normally used: salves, medications, ointments, wraps, bandages, duct tape, fly spray, towels, halters and leads. Store in waterproof containers. Take two plywood boards and spray paint each with the message, "Have Animals, Need Help" and "Have Animals, Okay For Now." Boards can be placed by driveways near the road and in clear areas for planes or helicopters assessing damage after the storm.
NEIGHBORHOOD DISASTER COMMITTEES: Get the addresses and phone numbers of all the horse owners in your immediate area. Note the location of large, enclosed pastures and paddocks that could be holding areas for lost horses or for when horses have to be moved. List owners of four-wheel drive vehicles and tractors. Ask local animal-control agencies and equine emergency response teams to provide disaster training sessions for horse owners and include fire departments and law enforcement agencies. Keep the phone and cell phone numbers of your veterinarians handy.
Animal care and controlCitrus County: (352) 726-7660
Hernando County: (352) 796-5062
Hernando Emergency Animal Response Team: (352) 848-0830
Pasco County: (813) 834-3216
Hillsborough County: (813) 744-5660
Pinellas County Animal Services: (727) 582-2600
SPCA of Pinellas County: (727) 586-3591
Stolen livestock hotline: toll-free 1-800-342-5869
Sunshine State Horse Council: (941) 731-2999