Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by Hurricane Sandy. One of the benefits of living in the technology age is that we often know about a major storm a few days in advance. There are many things that home and business owners must do to prepare for a major storm. As the adage goes, “Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.” With Hurricane Sandy still at the forefront of our minds, let’s go over tips that horse owners can use to prepare their horses and barns for a hurricane or other major storm.
The best way to prepare your barn and horses for a major storm is by investing in a premium barn. A well-constructed barn, built with premium materials by proficient professionals can ensure that you have the foundation needed to resist the major wind gusts and torrential downpours of a hurricane. Also, it is always a good idea to have older barns inspected to provide you with a peace of mind that your barn is in decent shape and can withstand the rigors of a severe storm. If you or the inspector doesn’t think your barn can hold up during the storm, then you may want to search for another place to temporarily house your horses.
The second thing you should do is prepare the barn and make sure you clean up any rubbish or loose materials that are in or near the barn. You do not want a huge wind gust to lift the debris and hit/hurt your horses. Also, be sure to supply enough food and water for at least a couple of days for the horses, and have a first aid kit handy in case of an injury to one of your horses.
Finally, be sure to prepare for the worst. If you are forced to evacuate, have a plan already in place to make the evacuation process for your animals as painless as possible. Moreover, be sure to have an identification tag on your horse’s halter in case you guys get separated.
A hurricane or other major storm can be a treacherous ordeal. However, thorough preparation can help you endure the storm and reduce the chances of your horse(s) being harmed.
Source: http://hospitals.vetmed.ufl.edu/2015/04/23/disaster-preparedness-for-horses/