Page 34 - Speedhorse Canada Spring 2018

“Above all, being prepared is your best defense to safeguard your property, and your horses.”
routes you can take to reach this destination. A good location is an area belonging to a friend or fellow horse owner that can serve as a safe shelter where your horses can be stabled, with this location preferably being a substantial distance away from the area that might be affected by the disaster. You can contact your veterinarian, local animal control department, or emergency management office for information about shelter options for horses in your area.
Be SUre To Back Up. Having a plan is one thing, but when you are a horse owner, you need mul- tiple plans in the event of a disaster. What if an evacuation is needed and you simply don’t have time to load all your horses? Also, depend- ing on the disaster, your horses may have a better chance if they are turned out into a field. Your backup plans should include what to do in the event your horses are unable to evacuate or would be safer being left behind.
commUnicaTion iS key.
Make sure your friends and neigh- bors know your plan in the event of an emergency. We suggest posting detailed instructions and details
of your plan in several places on your property, including your horse trailer and entrances to your barn,
so they can be seen by emergency workers in the event you must evac- uate and leave your horses behind.
STock Up. Keep enough fresh water and hay on hand to sustain all your animals for at least 72 hours. Be sure to set aside some buckets that can be used to hold water. Prepare multiple first aid kits—one that can be taken with you in the event of an evacuation and one in the barn. These first aid kits should include bandages, antiseptic, plastic gloves, wound tape, duct tape, twee- zers, etc. Prepare a general emer- gency kit that includes items such as water buckets, tarps, scissors, wire cutters, a sturdy knife, and an extra halter and lead rope.
know yoUr poLicy. Contact your insurance provider to deter- mine what is and is not covered, in the event of a disaster.
acT earLy. When you first receive news a disaster may be imminent, round up all your horses as soon as possible. If any disaster that you can anticipate is on the way, such as a hurricane, evacuate early . . . whether an official evacua- tion order has been given or not.
GeT yoUr HoUSe in order.
You can prepare your stable or barn by unplugging all electrical
appliances and transferring water
to sturdy troughs or large, heavy bowls that will not tip over due to wind or water. Stow and secure any flammable or poisonous chemicals, removing their threat from the habitat of your horses. If f looding
is imminent, move your horses to higher ground where food and water can be accessed.
However, if you must leave your horses behind, be sure to take pho- tographs, proof of ownership, copies of medical records, and their latest Coggins tests with you—ideally, this information should be gathered in a sealed plastic bag.
And always be ready to check with local, state, federal, and non-govern- mental organizations for information in cases of emergency. Each plan will be different for each situation, so be ready to customize and adapt.
Be prepared, equipped, com- posed, willing and able. Your horse is depending on you.
If you are not in a natural disas- ter, but are fortunate enough to help those who have been affected, be
an informed donor. A good place to start is by visiting an independent charity assessment organization such as charitywatch.org or charitynaviga- tor.org, where you can learn more about various charities, find orga- nizations with top ratings, get tips on giving or volunteering, search by state or event, and much more.
34 SPEEDHORSE CANADA, Spring 2018