14-Point Checklist for Horse Evacuation

1. Train your horses to load. Trying to load an untrained horse when stress is high can be dangerous and time consuming.

2. Be able to identify your horses. Take pictures or videos and have written descriptions. Store one set in a safe place (a safe deposit box at a bank is one option) and keep another set with you.

3. If your horse is going to a community rescue site or there is a chance he will become loose have some type of identification on the horse. An identification tag on the halter will work, but microchips, brands or tattoos are more permanent. Be sure your emergency contact information is included on the ID tag.

4. Make sure your truck and trailer are in good working order and packed with needed supplies. Do not use your trailer as a storage unit. If you do not own a trailer, make advance arrangements with several friends or a local hauler who can be contacted at a moment's notice. Don't wait until the emergency to start looking for a way to move your horses.

5. Make sure all health records and registrations papers are in one location and can be moved quickly.

6. Make advance arrangements with several friends who have room for your horses. If this is not possible contact your local fairgrounds or horse facilities to find out their policies for accepting horses during an emergency - have several options available.

7. Know the various routes to the facility to which you are taking the horses. A road may be closed, so have an alternate route in mind.

8. Assign duties, in advance, to the various people who will be helping evacuate the horses. If people know what is expected, things will go smoothly.

9. Leave your contact information in several conspicuous places in your barn, office or house.

10. In the event you are not at home, make arrangements with several friends or neighbors so they can evacuate your horses. Go over your plans and have the information available to them. Keep it up-dated.

11. Pack enough hay, feed, medications, supplements and water (if needed) for several days. Extra buckets should be already packed in the trailer.

12. If you are going to have to make several trips, don't wait until the last evacuate order is issued. Start moving animals out early and give yourself enough time. It is possible if you wait too long, you will not be allowed back in. Use common sense.

13. Don't forget to have an emergency bag packed and ready with your personal items.

14. Prepare a list of important documents you will need and have them readily available. These items would include credit cards, bank account information, horse health insurance cards and check books.

by Eleanor Blazer