Whether evacuating from a fire, hurricane, flood or preparing for tornadoes in your area, these items are a must have for your emergency kit. You might have multiple kits as well. For example, one in your horse trailer, one in your house and one in your barn/tack or feed shed. I always say the more the merrier because it’s always better to be prepared.
Here are some basic items to have in your emergency kit:
#1: Flashlight
Multiple flashlights, any size will work, and you may wish to have several extra batteries available.
#2: Radio AM/FM
Battery operated so that in the event cell towers, Wi-Fi and cable are all out you can still be in touch with the weather in your area.
#3: Medications and feed for 7 days
Not only for your animals, but for you. If your area was hit with a tornado like so many in the Midwest this spring, your own pharmacy may not ever open back up or may be damaged and closed for a time for repairs.
#4: Halters & lead rope
Be sure that you have a halter and lead rope for every equine you have on your property whether it be your own horses, or you are a boarding facility, breeding farm etc.
If you don’t have enough halters for everyone today, then make it a goal and check out every tack auction, local or organizations tack sales.
#5: Contact information
You should have your contact information visible in your barn and you should also have your veterinarian’s information as well as other emergency contacts.
#6: Feeding instructions & restrictions
If your equines must be left at an evacuation location, be sure you have a stall card with your contact information, veterinarian’s information as well as feeding instructions, amounts, supplements and or medications. You may need to administer medications and supplements yourself, so be sure that you will have access to the facilities for this purpose. If your equines have feeding restrictions from types of feed for example “no alfalfa” or other hay, snacks etc., be aware that this information needs to be bold and made aware to all those who may be distributing feed to the evacuees. You can also use the Equine ID Collar or Fetlock ID Bands for additional instructions or information pertaining to feeding/ medication or treat restrictions. (see an example below)
#7: First Aid kit
Have a well-stocked first aid kit with bandages, Bute or other drugs, syringes, needles, vet wrap, and other items that may be needed. You can see a full list of what is needed in a stocked first aid kit here: Equine First Aid kit needs – EquestriSafe, LLc
#8: Fire Extinguisher
Having multiple Fire Extinguishers is another important item to have on hand. If you have a large barn over 6 stalls, it is smart to have at least 2-3 of them visible within the isle of the barn. Also have one in your horse trailer tack area and one in your truck also. Again, you can never have to many is my motto.
#9: Water buckets
Another “can’t have enough” item especially if you have to go to another farm or an evacuation center. Using your own supplies can help to avoid diseases from other farms being transmitted. And when you return to your own property, be sure to disinfect all of them before using them again.
#10: Identification for your horses
You may not think identification is needed, as most evacuation locations have their own type of identification. However, we believe that you should have your own identification on your horses for immediate notification. Either a Fetlock ID band or Equine Identification Collar any style. There are other methods as well, however these two types of identification offer high visibility and are recognized easily with your information immediately available.
Don’t be scared: Be prepared!
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