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 Hurricane horse preparedness & equine care in disaster conditions

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Hurricane Preparedness Information

Veterinarian Action List

1. Critical Care: Identify equine hospitals in your area that have generators and the ability to treat critical patients after the storm in necessary.

2. Shelter: Identify horse shelters in your area that can stable horses that are loose or need to be relocated due to flooding.

3. Information: Obtain the local contact information from the PIO (Public Information Officer). This would be the radio station and newspaper/TV stations that can broadcast messages. Cellular phone communication is often not available during and after large power outages. The best way to “get the word out” is radio/newspaper.

4. Fuel: Contact the local EOC director to work out in advance privileges to work after curfew and obtain fuel (if power is out) from the county maintenance yard or the sheriff’s office. They should issue you a badge that will allow you into disaster areas. You will need your state license and driver’s license.

5. Clients: Make a plan with your clients to check in with them after the storm. Many people will not be able to get out and phone for help.

6. No Owner: If you provide medical care for a horse that does not have an owner, document the exact care given and a good description or photo of the horse. These types of expenses may be covered by FEMA.

7. Water: One of the major problems after a storm is the need for water. Many farms do not have generators and farm owners need to know how to get water. In Marion and Alachua counties, we had the EOC contact local fire trucks and county water trucks to stand by for water aid. People would call the county animal control officer for assistance. That officer would organize the need based on location and tell the water trucks where to go on a daily basis.

8. Veterinary Supplies: Contact your local veterinary medical supply distributors to see if they will be available to provide emergency supplies if needed.

9. Horse Transportation: Contact your local horse transportation companies to see which ones would be willing to aid in moving horses that are loose or need emergency evacuation.

County Phone Numbers        Horse Shelters        Wilma Emergency Phone Numbers       Action List for Veterinarians