Before the Storm:

• Become familiar with the type of disasters that occur in your region. Think about natural and manmade disasters.
• Have a written plan. During stressful times it is easy to forget or omit something important. Keep all your vaccination records, current Coggins, pictures of the horse and medications with the disaster plan. Compile a list of emergency numbers including veterinarian, neighbors, poison control, local animal shelters and animal control.
• Identify your horse through a microchip, tattoo, paint sticks. Take pictures of you with your horse as well as detailed pictures of your horse.
  

• If you determine that the area is safe for the horses or you do not have a means of evacuating the area must be free of debris, power lines, barbed wire and there must be enough room for them to run. Your decision whether to keep your horse in an open field or in the barn is up to you. 

• In the event that you choose to evacuate do so 72 hours before the storm is due to hit or you could be caught in traffic and high winds. Traffic moves very slowly if at all and high winds will make the horse trailer very unstable. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and routes less traveled as well as potential evacuation sites. Fairgrounds, equestrian centers and private farms sometimes have the ability to assist during an emergency.
• Remember that the power may be out so don’t count on automatic pumps working. Make sure that you have enough water and food for two weeks.
  

After the Storm:

• Use caution after the storm. Beware of downed power lines.
• Landmarks and scents may become altered causing the horse to become confused or lost.
• Check pastures for debris that may injure the horse. Check to make sure fences are intact.
• Wildlife will also be affected by the storm and may end up where least expected. Use caution.
• Contact veterinarians, humane societies, stables, or farms if your horse is lost.