Evacuate Horses in a Natural Disaster

It doesn't matter whether it is a hurricane, tornado, forest fire or flash flood, knowing how and when to evacuate your horses during a natural disaster can mean the difference between life or death. Since there is frequently a limited window of time in which to act, you should know in advance exactly what you will do.

Find a Destination

According to the Humane Society of the U.S., horse owners should have a place to take their horses in the event of a natural disaster. You won't want to start to evacuate before you know where you're going because you could wind up driving your trailer in circles for hours, unable to find a safe location.

You should also find access to a horse trailer if you don't own one yourself. For example, if you board your horse at a stable, you could make arrangements with a friend at the barn to take your horse as well as theirs. If that is not an option, consider buying a horse trailer as soon as you are able.

Prepare Documentation

The rules are fairly strict for taking horses anywhere in the United States, regardless of whether or not they are forced to evacuate. In preparation, documents for horse evacuation include veterinary paperwork, the latest Cog gins results and shot records. You might want to keep two such copies: one at the barn and one in your home.

Consider First Aid

There might be situations in which you must apply First Aid to your horse before you can evacuate him. To prepare for this, keep an equine First Aid kit near your horse's stall or in your vehicle. It should include bandages, polo wraps, shipping wraps, scissors, tape, banamine and bute. Talk to your veterinarian about getting the items you need.

Communicate with Barn Owners

If you board your horse away from your home, talk to the barn owners about their plans for evacuation. If they have a specific evacuation plan for the entire stable, ask them how your horse will fit in and what will be done if you are away. Make sure they have reliable contact numbers for you at all times.

Keep Supplies Handy

If you need to evacuate horses during a natural disaster, you will need several items in order to keep your horses healthy and safe. Halters, lead ropes, feed bags, hay, water, buckets and any medications or supplements are essential. Label everything clearly with your name, your horse's name, your address, your phone number and perhaps an emergency contact.

Don't Panic

A natural disaster at the barn is a frightening experience for everyone involved. Your safety should be your priority, so consider alternate plans if you can't evacuate your horses. In some cases, animals are better left in an open pasture than in a barn, so talk to a local agricultural expert for their opinion.

Remember also that your panic will be communicated to your horse. Rather than running around in a state of abject terror, stop to think about what you're doing so you don't make mistakes. And never enter an unsafe area where you might be injured trying to get to your horse.

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