Before hurricane season begins...

• Make sure all animals have current immunizations and coggins test.
• If evacuation is necessary, make sure you take all necessary papers with you.
• Locate safe areas within your parish and make arrangements now to move your animal to that location.
• Assist the receiving property owner in developing a plan. A written DISASTER PLAN will help you and your animal survival.

Develop a specific Disaster Plan for your property...

• Have a box filled with halters, leads, tapes, ropes, tarps and plastic, fly spray and animal medical supplies including bandages and medicines. Keep this box store inside your home.
• Keep a two 2 liter soda bottles filled with water frozen in the freezer. They can be thawed in the refrigerator when electricity failed and it will keep the refrigerator cold. They ca be used as a source of water as they thaw.
• City water becomes contaminated because purification systems are inoperable. To purify water, add 2 drops of chlorine bleach per quart and let it stand for half an hour.
• A two week supply of animal feed and medications should be brought into your house and stored in water proof containers.
• Contact out-to-town friends and relatives and keep them informed of your plans. It will be easier for you to contact them instead of them trying to contact you.
• Make sure you have insurance that is adequate. Photograph or video tape all property and animals and take these with you, if you must evacuate.
• Close barn and/ or stall doors. Open all interior pasture gates. Put I.D. on all animals and turn your large animal out!!! They ma suffer debris injuries, but at least this way they have a chance.

If you have to evacuate Your Large Animals...

If you are planning to stay at home during a hurricane these guidelines may help:

• The decision of keeping your hours in a barn or in an open field is entirely your choice, however if you choose to keep your horse in a barn the structure strength should be considered.
• Remove items from the barn aisle and walls
• Fill clear plastic garbage cans with water, secure the tops and place them in the barn.
• Prepare an emergency animal first aid kit. Waterproof all the normal items.
• Place two buckets of water and sufficient hay with each horse. After a hurricane, you may not have immediate access to the barn.
• Make sure the animal is wearing identification.

Large animals Identification...

• Take a picture of your horse with a family member in the photo as well.
• Purchase fetlock ID bands and place them on both front feet.
• Using small animal clippers, body clip the owner's phone number on the horse's neck.
• Braid a waterproof luggage tag with medication & owners information into the horse tail or mane.

Things Not to Do!!!

• Do not leave halters or headstalls on animals in holding pens or when released .They can catch the tack on trees, equipment and other obstructions.
• Do not tie animals together when releasing them. The connection creates a hazard for the animals and people trying to recapture them.
• Try to avoid releasing animals unless absolutely necessary to protect your safety. They may accidentally toward other risk.
• Report the location, identification and disposition of your livestock to authorities handling the disaster; especially if your animals are aggressive or nervous by nature.

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Contact:
Southern University Ag Center, Christie Monroe, Assistant Livestock Show Manager at (225) 771-2242 or christie_monroe@suagcenter.com

Sources:
http://www.polksheriff.org/cust_serv/hurricane.html
http://www.coloradostate.edu