Disaster Preparedness for Equine & Large Animal Owners

Severe weather, earthquakes, wildfires, hazardous material spills, barn fires—a man-made or natural disaster can strike anytime, anywhere. Put a preparedness plan in place now to keep you and your animals safe. Remember, they depend on you for their safety.

Prevent barn fires

Barn fires are one of the most common emergency situations faced by equine and livestock owners. Prevention is key.

• Store vehicles, tractors, and flammable materials outside.
• Regularly inspect electrical wires for damage.
• Make sure hay is dry before storing it in the barn.
• In case of a barn fire, immediately call 911.

Prepare for dangerous weather

Pets and livestock can become injured or die during thunderstorms. Debris displaced by high winds, or hail (especially large sized pellets) can cause injury to animals left outdoors. Lightning can kill animals when they are near a fence or tree that receives a lightning discharge. Follow reliable weather forecasts and set up an automatic alert system on your mobile device or computer, so you’ll be alerted in case a thunderstorm system moves into your area or a weather advisory is issued. Have well maintained backup generators or alternate power sources for livestock production operations, especially if relying on a well for water.

Keep your pasture and barnyards clear

Maintain firebreaks and remove brush around barns and fencing. Ensure water sources (tanks or ponds) are full and accessible.

Remove debris, especially metal debris, on a regular basis. Not only can it attract lightning, but any debris can also become airborne in heavy winds and can pose a risk to any livestock nearby.

• Assess the stability and safety of barns and other structures.
• Remove dead trees or objects from fields or livestock areas that may serve as potential flying debris.
• Fence off or remove single trees in pastures to prevent animals from congregating under them; ground any trees left in pastures.
• Ground wire fences. Current can travel up to two miles through a wire fence, which could be harmful to both livestock and humans.

Prepare for evacuation

It may not always be possible to evacuate horses or livestock, but having a plan in place for a potential evacuation is a good idea. Keep halters and leads ready. Have a trailering and transportation plan in place.

• Identify evacuation trailers and transport options in advance.
• Mark animals (ID tags, microchips, or spray paint phone number on hooves or coats).
• Have a go-kit for livestock:
  • Feed/hay, water storage, buckets
  • Halters, ropes, ID tags
  • Medical supplies, vaccination records
  • Tools: wire cutters, shovel, flashlight
• Pre-designate safe zones (bare ground, cleared pastures)
• Evacuate large animals early, loading in panic is dangerous and slow.

Be ready to shelter in place

Prepare a portable first aid kit, as well as several days' supply of water, hay, feed and medications. You may also want to consider alternative methods of getting water for your animals, as water supplies can become contaminated.

Make sure your animals have ID

Severe weather can lead to fencing failures, allowing animals to leave your property. ID will be key to help ensure their return.

Provide safe, high spots

If possible, bring poultry and livestock into a barn or shelter well in advance of a weather event. Make sure they have plenty of food and water. Never leave pets or livestock tied up or restrained outside. Perches, ledges and access to high ground can be a lifesaver for poultry, livestock and other animals in an emergency.

After the event

• Examine your animals closely and contact your veterinarian if you observe injuries.
• Survey damage to your barns and other structures, assessing them for stability and safety.
• Gather and dispose of trash, limbs, wire, and damaged equipment that could harm livestock before returning them to outdoor enclosures.
• Provide pets and livestock with non-contaminated feed and water, ensuring that they have access to clean, uncontaminated water. Do not feed flood damaged or moldy feed or hay, or any feed that may have been contaminated by chemicals or pesticides.

Emergency kit checklist

• Food, water and medication for at least 72 hours—two weeks is recommended
• Copy of medical records, including proof of vaccinations
• Authorization for medical treatment in your absence
• Proof of ownership
• Ensure animals have ID such as microchip, tattoo, halter tag, collar, leg band, ear tag or notch, brand
• Important contact information—veterinarian, emergency contact, boarding facility, alternate shelter
• Feed
• Water—consider alternative ways to get water, as supplies may be contaminated
• Medications and supplements—rotate frequently
• Halters and leads
• Blankets
• Flashlights, radio, batteries
• Duct tape
• Heavy gloves
• Knife—sharp, all-purpose
• Wire cutters
• Fly spray
• Hoof care tools
• Shovel
• Trash bags, paper towels, buckets, tools and supplies for manure cleanup
• First aid supplies—consult with your veterinarian about what supplies are most appropriate for you to have for your animals

Source: Includes contributions from ODA