Hurricane Preparedness Seminar
Ill be talking tonight at the Clay County Fairgrounds about Hurricane Preparedness. Here is my Check list and a brief synopsis
Disaster preparedness for horse owners
As Hurricane season is upon us here in Florida it is past
time to seriously address the task of preparation. Efforts taken today can save
a great deal of anxiety and heartache in the future. Unfortunately, many of us
are procrastinators by nature and wait until the news reports of the
approaching storm prod us into some form of action. Every year when this
happens you find yourself frantically wandering the isles of your local store
searching empty shelves for bottled water and batteries with several hundred of
your closest friends and neighbors. This doesn’t need to happen. With just a
little time and effort now you will find yourself much more prepared and not
just another aimless zombie in the golden hoard. Even if you are like me and
lack the “organizational gene” you will find that following some simple
guidelines can help get you ready for the eventual day when, as they say…. the
manure hits the oscillating rotator. By breaking things down into simple check
lists you can start getting the things you need and the things you need to get
done checked off. You probably already have many of these items and just need
to get them together and inventoried.
Here are the disaster preparedness check lists we have for
our clients. Some things may apply to your area and others will not and need to
be adjusted to your geographical threats. The basics are the same regardless if
the threat is a hurricane, wildfire, earthquake or electrical grid failure. I
have broken these down into 1. Horses, 2. Farm, 3. Home, and tried to cover the
important items and tasks you will need to do. In the need of evacuation many
of these things will need to be organized into appropriate “go bags” or
“storage bins” so duplication of documents and some supplies may be needed.
HORSES:
Vaccinations- All horses should be vaccinated with Tetanus
toxoid yearly. Mosquitoes increase significantly after the hurricane and
transmit the Encephalitis viruses; therefore vaccination with
Eastern&Western Encephalitis as well as West Nile Virus should be boostered
prior to storm season.
Coggins test- Make sure you have a current negative Coggins
test and that it doesn’t expire during hurricane season. These are required for
interstate transport so have several certified copies for (truck, trailer and
important papers folder /scanned copy on a flash drive)
Health Certificate- these are required for transport as
well. You can obtain a six month event permit which will allow movement into
adjoining states. (Have extra certified copies)
Identification- Make sure your horse has a microchip ID and
register the number. Name tags on the halter “may” stay on but usually don’t
and won’t help if your horse is stolen or “adopted” after the storm.
Identification of horses that have died is extremely difficult after days in
storm conditions as they all look the same. Evidence from work done in
Louisiana and Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina showed that Microchip ID
allowed positive identification in >90% of cases. During Hurricane Andrew in
Florida it was almost the exact opposite since microchip ID wasn’t required in
Florida and was not readily available then. Most of the dead horses were never
identified.
Evacuation- Decide early if you are going to evacuate and have
a destination prearranged .Contact family members or camp grounds that allow
horses. Map out your evacuation route and all alternate roads to get there.
Have several maps in each vehicle. Leave at least 72 hours before the storm
gets close as roads and bridges will be clogged with traffic and higher winds
as the storm approaches may close some bridges to trailer traffic leaving you
stranded.
Important documents- keep copies of health records, Coggins test,
health certificate, ID numbers and photos in a Ziploc bag. Also, store copies
on a portable flash drive to be printed later if needed. Keep spares in each
truck and trailer.
If you are not evacuating then it probably safer to turn
your horses out in a large open pasture that has VERY few trees, if any. Most
injuries occur from collapsed barns and flying debris. Just think about the
fact that your barn was probably built to take advantage of the prevailing
breeze to keep it cool and most likely done by the lowest bidder. That’s a bad
combo with a CAT 3-4 Hurricane.
FARM: (Walk your property, visual inspection.)
Check and repair all fences. Remove any barbed wire.
Clear trees and dead limbs (clear all red maple, it only
takes a few wilted leaves to induce renal failure in the horse….and they will
eat them).
Remove all debris. This becomes flying projectiles
Store all jumps, tables and chairs in a barn stall roped
together.
Get “tie-downs” for trailers, park them in a large open
paddock away from trees and power lines. Park trucks and tractor there as well.
Make sure they are all fully fueled.
Store feed- 7 day supply stored in water proof containers (1lb
/100lbs body weight x 7 days per horse)
Store hay in barn under waterproof tarp and off the ground
on pallets
Water supply- 15-20 gal/horse/day. You can fill up troughs,
boats,55 gal barrels, swimming pools etc. Bleach can be used to purify
contaminated water (8 drops /gal) but horses may not drink it if treated. A
hand “pitcher pump” for your well is also valuable with power outages. Dehydration and renal failure is a
common source of death in horses after hurricanes.
Generator- 4hp (4000-5000 watts) with gas to last 7 days.
This can be done with 4x5 gallon cans using the generator intermittently. Tri
fuel options on generators are a great addition.
Extension cords- 4 long 100ft
Tools-
-Hammers and nails( you need a large and varied supply)
- fencing materials-field fence, fence tape, posts and
staples
-chainsaw, spare chain, gas and 2 cycle oil, bar chain oil
-ropes and tow cable, chain with hooks
- Ladders
-wire cutters and long handle pry bar (can still get to
supplies if barn collapses)
- roll of black plastic sheeting and staple gun to cover
broken windows and roof leaks
- flood light-work light with car adapter (1 million candle
power), head lamps for hands free work
-waders or snake boots
Extra halters and ropes- stored in sealed plastic bins
Medical supplies-
-Bandage material (sheet cotton, gauze, telfa pads, vet
wrap, duct tape
-wound medication (betadine scrub, Nolvasan solution and
ointment, triple antibiotic ointment)
-anti-inflammatory meds (Banamine, Phenylbutazone)
-Sedatives (Acepromazine, Xylazine)
-Antibiotics (Trimethoprim sulfa tablets, Procaine
penicillin)
-insect repellant
-syringes and needles
-scissors and knife
-clean towels
Ask your veterinarian for help and dosages on medications
that you need, we are there to help and educate.
HOME:
-water supply, 1 gal/person/day. A “water bob” ($20) can be
placed in the bathtub and once filled up holds 100 gallons of water and comes
with its own hand pump.
-Food storage, plan on at least 2-3 weeks supply. It could
be longer depending upon the level of disruption. The objective is to maintain
independence and not be dependent upon rescue or food supplied at refugee
centers. Trust me; historically it never works out well for the refugees. Most
canned foods are good for at least 2 years. Canned dried storage foods can be
good for up to 30 years as are freeze dried foods. These can be set aside in a
closet or under a bed in a guest room for a time when needed. Choose foods that
you like and fit into your regular diet. You should plan for several meals a
day as you do now and shop accordingly. Many online sites and the LDS church
provide sources for long term storage food.
-Generator, some form of electricity will greatly help when
the lights go out. This will allow you to maintain refrigeration, cooking,
lights and connection with the outside world. Gas to keep it running. Be aware
of exhaust and fire dangers and keep it well ventilated. Deflate the tires and
chain/padlock it to something to prevent theft.
-Solar lights, these outdoor LED lights can be brought
indoors at night and provide light for about 6 hours. They are bright enough to
use for reading and are much safer than candles and lamps. Once charged the
batteries can be disconnected until needed.
-Gas grill, for cooking and boiling water. Keep at least one
extra bottle of propane on hand as the grill will get a lot of use.
-Medical supplies, bandage materials, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrheal
meds, anti-inflammatory meds (Advil, Tylenol) , any prescription medications
you are currently on. Injuries such as burns and cuts associated with farm
accidents should be your focus.
-A small cheap window unit air conditioner, keep stored in
the box in a closet. This will provide an unbelievable relief in the hot humid
post hurricane power outage (this is why you need a generator). We kept this in
our bedroom and slept like a baby with our kids and all our nieces and nephews
sleeping on the floor because we had A/C.
-Cash, with power disruptions the banks and ATMs will be
non-functional. Having cash on hand will enable you to at least be more
flexible.
-Firearms, while it may seem unnecessary to some, you may
want to rethink this position. Police protection, phone service and street
lights will all be disrupted leaving those in our society that thrive on those
conditions to be emboldened. The sound of a generator and lights can send them
a signal that you have “stuff”. While much has been written on which guns are
best, I tend to think that the best gun is the one you have and are comfortable
using. The simplicity of a shotgun with appropriate sized shot is a nice
deterrent. Remember that having to defend yourself with a firearm will change
your life forever but it may be a price you have to pay to keep your loved ones
safe.
I’m sure this could be expanded many fold but keeping it
simple is a great way for many to get started. Going over the list every year
and adding to it to fit your needs is another way to keep the process of
preparation moving forward. Remember to keep some extra supplies for charity as
many of your neighbors may not be as well prepared or could be more severely
affected by storm damage. Be prepared to help them.
The storm is coming; it’s time to get ready.
CHECK LIST
Farm & Barn To Do
List
o
-Make
sure ALL horses are micro chipped and numbers recorded
o
-Check
and repair fences (walk the fence line)
o
Clear
trees and limbs
o
-Remove
debris
o
-Store
jumps/tables/chairs
o
-Examine
barn for loose shingles/debris
o
-Move
tractor,trucks and trailers into large pasture
o
-Spare
fuel, store in trailer or stall, four 5 gallon cans, and all vehicle tanks full
o
-Get
tie downs for trucks and trailers
o
-Store
feed-7 day supply-in water proof containers
o
-Store
hay under tarps in a stall off the ground
o
-Water-15-20
gal/horse/day (fill up boats, 55 gal barrels,pools, troughs) (Bleach –8 drops/gallon if contaminated)
o
-cut off power to the barn as storm
approaches
Farm & Barn Equipment list
o
WATER-Hand
pump for well (pitcher pump)
o
WATER-55
gal drums (down spout on barn)
o
WATER-pond,lake,pool,boats,troughs
o
-Generator
4 hp or higher (5000 watt)
o
-Extension
cords(50-100 ft)
o
-Tools-
hammers/nails
o
Fencing
materials –field fence (no barbed wire) fence tape and posts.
o
Chainsaw-extra
chain, 2 cycle oil, bar /chain oil/gas
o
Ropes
and tow cable, chain with hooks
o
Ladder
o
Wire
cutters and pry bar
o
Rolls
of black plastic and staple gun, large tarps
o
Flood
lights- work light and hand held car plug in type (1 million candle power)
Headlamps
o
Waders
or snake boots
o
Extra
halters and lead ropes (in plastic storage bin)
Medical supplies
o
Wound
medications (betadine scrub, nolvasan ointment, triple antibiotic)
o
Bandage
material ( sheet cotton, vet wrap, leg wraps, telfa pads, duct tape)
o
Anti-inflammatory
meds- Banamine, Bute
o
Sedatives-
Acepromazine, Xylazine
o
Antibiotics-
SMZ tablets, Procaine Penicillin
o
Insect
repellant
o
Syringes
and needles
o
Antibiotic
eye ointment
Personal supplies
o
-Canned
food or MRE’s (some last for 25 years)
o
-WATER-freeze
2 liter bottles (can use to keep your fridge cool) Yeti coolers are great and
can keep food cool for days.
o
-WATER-
( a “Water Bob” , place in bathtub,
will hold 55 Gallons, cost $20)
o
-WATER-
Additional water source, 55 gal
drum set up under gutter down spout. Drill and tap with standard spigot.
o
-multiple
head lamps, better than flash lights as your hands will be free to work
o
-Generator
and extension cords
o
-Gas
grill (spare Gas cylinder)
o
-Small
cheap A/C unit ($ 100) store in closet
o
-Solar
yard lights. Leave out during the day and bring in a night ( no heat and safer
than candles and lamps)
o
-Cash-
with power out ATM’s and banks won’t be open
o
-Fire
arms (if you have a generator everyone will know)
o
(A
great deal of looting and theft takes place after storms)
o
-
Personal medical supplies
Important Documents
o
Scan
copies (or take digital photos) of all important documents and put them on a
flash drive, ie. Health Certificates, Coggins, Microchip ID numbers, photos of
horses, registration papers, proof of ownership.
o
Personal
papers- marriage certificate, birth certificates, driver’s license, SSN, credit
cards
o
Video
all of your valuable items for insurance documentation
o
Keep
extra flash drives in multiple places ,trailer, glove box, by back door ( be
careful if sensitive info on these drives)
Evacuation Plan
o
Know
where you are going
o
Notify
friends and family (when and where you are going and how to contact you)
o
Plan
your route, have maps, extra fuel, how long will you be on the road.
o
Pack
supplies/feed and hay
o
Personal
supplies, important papers, flash drive,$$$$$$
o
72
hour rule- get out before traffic gets heavy and weather turns bad (bridges
close with high winds)
o
Turn off power
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