To prepare for emergency

Not all major emergencies come with evacuation orders, but when they do it’s important to be able to move immediately. So it’s wise to lay the groundwork for that process long before a crisis arises. Here are some suggestions for preparing your horse and property for an emergency evacuation:

• Make a list of farms that offer temporary stabling within 100 miles of your property.

• Keep your truck and trailer in good working order. If you have more horses than trailer space, line up help for evacuation in the event you need it.

• Make sure you can catch, lead and load your horses so you don’t waste time during a crisis. With wildfires particularly, you may not get much warning and wasted minutes can affect your ability to escape. (If you evacuate, make sure you take all insurance and loan information with you as you will need that paperwork if your property is damaged.)

• Consider how to handle a situation where evacuation isn’t feasible: Would you want your horses inside the barn or out in the pasture during the crisis? Some people insist horses are safer in the barn where they’re protected from flying objects; others worry about the barn collapsing or catching fire. When making your decision, evaluate your barn and the potential threats for your horses.— The Editors of EQUUS